As we enter the fall season, the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department would like to remind food operators to obtain a license to sell food at events such as festivals and craft shows. Event coordinators are also responsible for verifying food vendors at an event have a valid food license.
Unlicensed food operators who wish to operate at an event must obtain a Temporary Food Service Operations license. Operators are required to apply at least ten (10) days before the event. Food Service licenses must be displayed at all times, at the licensed location.
TLCHD will require operators to cease operations immediately if a food establishment is operating without a license. Temporary licenses will not be issued on-site during an event. Relevant exceptions to temporary licensing requirements include:
A vendor who sells cottage food. However, according to the Ohio Revised Code, cottage food cannot be sold at craft shows, and may only be sold out of the home it was made in, at a Farmers’ Market, or from a licensed food facility.
Fundraisers for nonprofit organizations.
Events intended to raise money to directly benefit a school or church.
Farmers’ Markets. If the products that are sold are fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables, cottage food, maple syrup and honey.
The licensing process in place follows the Ohio Food Code, allowing food operators to safely prepare and serve food. The temporary license application is available on the health department’s website at https://lucascountyhealth.com/food-safety-3/ .