Planning to open or build a food processing facility? The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) can provide an informal review of facility plans before construction to help identify potential food safety concerns. Facilities should have a safe water supply, proper wastewater disposal, hand-washing facilities, equipment for cleaning and sanitizing, and clean, non-absorbent surfaces and food-contact equipment.
DHSS conducts routine inspections of food processing facilities approximately once a year and warehouses about every three years. Missouri does not require a state license or permit for food processors, and there is no fee for routine inspections.
For more information, visit health.mo.gov/business-professionals/food-safety/manufactured-foods.
The Howell County Health Department, 180 S. Kentucky Ave. in West Plains, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with a lunchtime closure from noon to 1 p.m. daily. Call 417-256-7078 or visit www.howellcountyhealth.com for more information.
