The Licensed Establishment Inspection Program inspects food facilities to insure food safety. We do this by:

• observing preparation and storage procedures;
• monitoring food temperatures;
• looking for potential sources of cross-contamination;
• observing hygienic practices of employees; 
• reviewing the general sanitation and maintenance of the establishment; and
• educating food staff and managers during inspections and scheduled training sessions.
   

A food facility is an operation that stores, prepares, packages, serves, vends, or otherwise provides food for human consumption in a mobile, stationary, temporary, semi-permanent or permanent facility or location; where consumption is on or off the premises and regardless of whether there is a charge for the food.

Farmers Markets

About Prepared Food Sales for Farmers Market (Word) (PDF)
State Law Regarding Farmers Markets (Word) (PDF) 
Farmers Market Application - 2012 (Word) (PDF)

Special Events

Permits or licenses are needed to sell food at special events. Use this application for fundraisers that includes food or for operating a temporary food establishment.

 
• Application (Word) (PDF)
 
• Instructions (Word) (PDF) 
 

Food Establishments

If you plan to open a new food service establishment in Lewis and Clark County (restaurant, catering facility, bakery, deli, coffee shop, bar, meat market, grocery store, or convenience store, for example) you must submit a plan review application, plans, menu, and other items listed in the checklist below. Contact Laurel Riek for further information, 406-447-8361 or lriek(at)co.lewis-clark.mt.us

• Guidelines (Word) (PDF)

• Application Fees (Excel) (PDF) 
 
• Application (Word) (PDF)
 
• Checklist (Word) (PDF)
 

Mobile Food Units

Mobile food units include pushcarts, semi-permanent buildings, or other vehicle-mounted food establishments designed to be readily movable.

• Guidelines (Word) (PDF)

• Application Fees (Excel) (PDF) 
 
• Application (Word) (PDF)
 

Change of Ownership/Menu

 
• Application (Word) (PDF)