Temporary Food Establishments

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a temporary food establishment?
Do we need a permit?
What types of food product may we sell at a temporary food establishment?
Where can we store and prepare food for our temporary food establishment?
What are the regulations regarding food service at a temporary event?

What is a temporary food establishment?
A temporary food establishment means a food establishment that operates for a period of no more than 14 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration. Special events such as the Festival of the Little Hills, Octoberfest, or the St. Charles County Fair require temporary permits. Also in this category are fund raiser-type activities such as church suppers, BBQ's and small food stands.

Do we need a permit?
All temporary food establishments will need to apply for a permit with the Health Department. The permit is $50.00 for each event. Not-for-profit, religious, civic or educational groups are required to apply for a permit, however they are exempt from fees. Download a copy of the Temporary Food Facility License Application.

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What types of food product may we sell at a temporary food establishment?
You may prepare most types of food products at a temporary food establishment providing it or its ingredients come from an approved, commercial source. The food must be prepared entirely on site or at a commercial food establishment (home preparation of food is prohibited). In addition, the site must contain enough hot and/or cold food holding equipment to store the food safely at all times. The Health Department may restrict certain "high hazard" foods from Temporary Food Stands.

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Where can we store and prepare food for our temporary food establishment?
Food and supplies used in a temporary food facility can not originate (be stored, prepared, etc.) from a private home. A private home, a room used as living or sleeping quarters, or an area directly opening into a room used as living or sleeping quarters may not be used. All applications for a temporary food facility must include a Commissary Agreement.

What is a Commissary and what is the necessity for one?
A commissary is a base of operation for temporary food facilities (TFF) and mobile food facilities (MFF). Commissaries are necessary because most TFFs and MFFs are not equipped to be completely self sustaining. Some of the issues are:

• Cleaning and sanitizing of ware
  • To ensure a high standard of food safety, utensils must be wash, rinsed and sanitized.
• Wastewater disposal
  • Wastewater should only be disposed of in a sanitary way, usually in a public or private sewer system.
• Food storage
  • Food can only be stored in a licensed and/or inspected food establishment. The St. Charles County Food Establishment Code does not allow food to be stored in private homes.
• Fresh water source
  • Only fixed food establishments that have a current operating license are approved as a source for fresh, potable water. In some cases, TFFs and MFFs choose to purchase additional units of bottled water for their food preparation needs.