To ensure products are safe and served in a clean environment, Clermont County Public Health’s Food Safety Program licenses and inspects establishments that prepare and sell food in Clermont County. The Food Safety Program strives to protect the community against foodborne illnesses resulting from health code violations and improper handling of food.
Food Safety Program activities include but are not limited to:
- License and inspect food establishments
- Approve plans for all new and renovated food-related establishments
- Investigate foodborne illnesses and reports of contaminated food
- Investigate customer complaints
- Procure and analyze water samples from food establishments with privately owned wells
- Provide food safety training
License Types
Issued to a location or area where food is prepared and served in individual portions. Examples include restaurants, cafeterias, and schools. For additional information about obtaining an FSO/RFE license, please read our Planning For Success Guide.
Issued to a facility that sells prepackaged food items or sells multiple servings of food products. Examples include grocery stores, gas stations, and most pizza shops. For additional information about obtaining an RFE license, please read our Planning For Success Guide.
Issued to a facility that is operated at an event for no more than five consecutive days. For more info and application, please review our Temporary Food License Application Packet.
Issued to a moveable structure which must change locations at least once every 40 days. For more info and application, please review our Mobile Food Unit Plan Review Packet.
Issued to a facility that sells temperature-controlled food (frozen, refrigerated, or hot food). A license also is required if the food is dispensed in an open container or cup such as coffee, soda, soup, or hot chocolate. Machines selling prepackaged, non-perishable food (chips, candy bars, packaged gum, etc.) or bottled/canned non-perishable drinks must be licensed. Gum ball machines are exempt from a vending machine food license. For more information, please reference the Vending Machine Location Plan Review Application.
Vending Machine License FAQ
I plan to have multiple vending machines in the same building. Do I have to get multiple vending licenses?
Each vending location (an area or the room where one or more vending machines are installed and operated) must obtain one license regardless of the number of machines present. Each separate location or room must have its own vending machine food license. Machines separated by more than 150 feet are considered a separate licensable vending location.
Are there any specific requirements for vending machines?
All equipment must be commercial grade and approved by a recognized testing agency. The coolers and freezers must have automatic shutoff health switches to prevent the sale of food in the event of a temperature control issue, power failure, or malfunction. The operator of the vending machine must regularly test the shutoff health switch.
Can coffee be sold in the vending machines?
Yes, a coffee vending machine that is commercial grade and approved by a recognized testing agency can be licensed.
What is the licensing process? What documents do I have to provide?
Submit the Vending Machine Location Plan Review Application. A health inspector will review the information and contact you for licensing and inspection.
Do vending machines inside of a micro market need to be licensed?
No, vending machines do not need to be licensed if they are under the control of the operator of the micro market.
Food Safety Forms & Resources
- Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code (Effective June 19, 2023)
- Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code Summary of Changes (Effective June 19, 2023)
- Ohio Administrative Code: 3717-1 State of Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code
- Ohio Revised Code: 3717.01 Retail Food Establishments – Food Safety Operations Definitions
- Ohio Administrative Code: 3701-21 Food Service Operations
- Ohio Administrative Code: Chapter 901:3 Food Safety
- Kitchen Companion: Your Safe Food Handbook
- Food Recalls
- FoodSafety.gov
