Food Safety

1 in every 6 Americans contract a food borne illness each year, with symptoms ranging from stomach cramps to death. Our goal is to reduce the transmission of food born illness in Joplin by ensuring safe practices and sanitary conditions in food establishments, educating local food handlers, and empowering citizens to make better choices with regard to food handling.

Food establishments in the City limits of Joplin fall under the jurisdiction of the Joplin Food Code, which can be found at the link below. Food establishments must be inspected and permitted prior to serving food to customers, including food trucks and temporary food vendors. Guidance documents can be found below for different categories of food establishments. Food establishments are inspected on a routine basis to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Joplin Food Code.

Food Handler Training

The Joplin Health Department offers monthly food handler training courses at the Joplin Public Library, West Community Room, 1901 E 20th St, Joplin, MO  64804. The cost is $5.50 per person, pay at the door by cash or check only. 

Topics covered include employee hygiene, time and temperature control, cross contamination, and cleaning and sanitizing methods. Each student receives the ServSafe Food Handler Guide and Certificate of Achievement after course completion. This course alone may not meet the requirements of the Joplin Health Department priority assessment. 

Sign up by calling 417-623-6122 during normal business hours. 

The current schedule of classes is as follows: 
  • July 18, 2023 from 1:30pm to 4:00pm
  • September 14, 2023 from 9:30am to 12:00pm
  • November 16, 2023 from 1:30pm to 4:00pm
2023 JHD Food Handler flyer

Food Protection Manager Training

The Joplin Health Department recognizes Food Protection Manager Training certificates that are issued by ANSI accredited programs, including the following:
2023 JHD Manager flyer

Documents

General Food Requirements

  1. Joplin Food Code

Mobile Food Vendors

  1. Mobile Food Vendor Requirements

Temporary Food Vendors

  1. Temporary Event Food Vendor Requirements
  2. Temporary Event - State Brochure
  1. Temporary Event - Hand Washing Station Examples
  2. Temporary Event - Application Form

Cottage Foods & Farmer's Markets

  1. Requirements for Cottage Foods Vendors
  2. Farmers Markets - State Brochure
  3. Farmers Markets - Acidified Foods
  1. Cottage Foods - State Statute
  2. Cottage Foods - Jams Jellies Baked Goods Brochure