REQUIREMENTS FOR VENDORS OPERATING AT FAIRS,
FESTIVALS AND OTHER PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS
Temporary food
establishments which operate in connection with a fair, carnival, circus,
public exhibition or other similar gathering must possess a permit to operate
from the local Environmental Health Department. These stands must meet the
requirements contained in 15A
NCAC 18A .2635, a copy of which is available here.
The Catawba
County Environmental Health Department has developed a brochure, Temporary
Food Establishment Requirements (PDF), En
Espanol (PDF*)Hmong (PDF*) to assist vendors in understanding the requirements contained
in these rules. Vendors should review this brochure and contact the Catawba
County Environmental Health Department with any questions. The Temporary
Food Stand Permit Application (PDF) must be submitted to the Catawba
County Environmental Health Department no less than one week before
the first anticipated day of operation. Copies are also available at our
offices in printed form. As of July 1, 2008, a fee applies.Click here for fee schedule.
Festival
organizers should include a copy of the brochure, along with the application,
in the information package sent to potential festival vendors. Organizers
should also submit to the Catawba County Environmental Health Department
a list of all food vendors who will be participating in the event.
The brochure
discusses the requirements and standards for these requirements, including:
conducting all operations under a tent or in an approved enclosure
source of running water under pressure and an equipment sink in each
temporary food stand
storage
use of screens and fans
sneeze guards
temperature controls for food safety
use of stem thermometers
heated water for hand washing
disposal of wastewater and garbage
food preparation, including special requirements for hamburgers and
poultry
foods which cannot be served
drinks which may be served
exemptions from the rules, and requirements for verifying exempt status
Representatives
of the Catawba County Environmental Health Division will be on site to
issue permits before vendors commence operation, and will continue to
monitor operations during the festival.
The Catawba
County Public Health Department will provide translation services where
necessary, including assistance in completing the required Temporary
Food Stand Permit Application (PDF). Vendors or their representatives
should contact the Catawba County Environmental Health Division to request
these services.