Food Establishments

The Food Safety Program focuses on prevention and enforcement by conducting unannounced inspections, licensing of facilities, and providing educational programs. 

In accordance with the Knox County Food Safety Ordinance, restaurants and retail food services are subject to licensing, certification for food service sanitation mangers, routine inspections, and facility plan reviews. 

Food Allergen Trainings 
To find a food allergen training, please visit ANSI Accredited Online Courses 

Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)

On January 1, 2019, the Illinois Department of Public Health adopted the 2017 FDA Food Code, which includes an update requiring the Person in Charge (PIC) of a foodservice operation to be a Certified Food Protection Manager.  The PIC must be onsite at all times during operating hours in Category I and Category II establishments.

To become a CFPM, a food protection manager must attend an online or in-person* course that educates the Person in Charge (PIC) on how to receive, store, prepare, and serve food in a safe manner.  A certificate is issued upon successful completion of a food protection manager course and exam. The Food Protection Manager course with exam are approximately 8 hours in length. The Food Protection Manager certificate is valid for five (5) years.

For more information regarding Certified Food Protection Manager courses and requirements please visit:  ANSI Accredited Online Courses.

Please direct complaints to the Environmental Health Division, 309-344-2224.

Rules & Law 
 Additional Information & Education