Food Vendor Regulations
Please note that this website is for informational purposes only, intended to educate prospective food vendors. The Madison County Health Department is the authority which sets and enforces these regulations.
Full details and applications for the MCHD permitting process can be found here:
https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/health/food_sanitation_program.php
If you have any questions after reading the information below, regarding permitting, food safety training, or have general questions regarding selling food at temporary events, please contact:
Madison County Health Department, Environmental Health Division
101 East Edwardsville Road Wood River, Illinois 62095
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (618) 296-6079
If you will be selling food that has been made in your home kitchen directly to consumers, you are considered a COTTAGE FOOD VENDOR
For full details, please see the IL Dept. of Public Health Cottage Food Guide
– A cottage food license from the Madison County Health Dept. is required (cost: $25 per year)
– You must take a certified food manager course and submit your certificate of completion at the first market you attend
– You may not sell products containing certain ingredients such as dairy or meat (see the Cottage Food Guide for a full list of ingredients that are not allowed)
If you will be selling food that has been made in a commercial kitchen which has been inspected and permitted by the Madison County Health Department:
– You may sell products containing some ingredients that are not allowed as a Cottage Food Vendor (dairy, meat, etc.)
– A certified food manager certificate is not required
– Please contact the Madison County Health Department to see if you will need any additional permits/forms
If you hold a Food Sanitation Permit with Madison County Health Department:
– You may sell your products with no restrictions. There is no fee for facilities that have a permitted establishment. Please make sure to review the Temporary Food Service Guidelines.
– If you are making that product on-site please complete the Temporary Food Service Establishment Application application and submit to MCHD
If you will be selling food that is made at the market, you are considered a TEMPORARY FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT:
– A temporary event permit from the Madison County Health Dept. is required (cost: $75 per year)
– A commercial kitchen is not required
– No ingredients can be prepared at home in advance, everything must be cooked on-site
– A certified food manager certificate is not required, but you will need to adhere to all of the rules stated in the Temporary Food Service Guidelines
If you would like to provide samples of your edible product at the market
A sampling license from the State of Illinois is required, for full details:
https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/food-safety/farmers-markets.html
EGG PRODUCERS: The State egg inspector has advised that we keep a copy of everyone’s egg license on file, so please include a copy with your registration form.
The complete Illinois regulatory guidelines for foods often found at farmers markets can be found here:
http://www.idph.state.il.us/pdf/IDPH_FDD_TIB_30_Farmers_Markets_051613.pdf