Carter County Health Department Environmental Services

Our local health department’s environmental services program is a combination of services with the objective of a safe and sanitary environment for the people it serves.

The environmental team here at the Carter County Health Department conducts surveillance/inspections on locally regulated establishments such as restaurants and schools to identify potential environmental risk factors associated with infectious disease and safety. This helps to ensure compliance with public health laws, regulations and standards.

Temporary Food Operations

Anyone operating as a temporary food vendor must have a permit to operate and must apply prior to the planned temporary event. Foods may be prepared and served at gatherings or events such as fairs, festivals, etc. Food items and methods of preparation may be restricted during these temporary events. All temporary food vendors must have a permit from the local health department prior to opening operations. Permits are valid if the establishment complies with regulations for up to 14 days at one location. Permit fees depend on the number of days permit applicants plan to operate at the designated location and are broken down as follows:

1-3 days……..$60.00

4-7 days……..$90.00

8-14 days…..$125.00

For more information and permit applications, please contact your local county health department.

Click to view Temporary Food Service Set-up Guidelines.

Food Certifications

All commercial food establishments are now required according to FDA Food Code 2013 (see section in box below) which is effective as of July 1, 2019 to have a Certified Food Manager on site at all times that food is being prepared.