Licensing, Certification, & Training

Licensing a Food Service Establishment

To open a new food service establishment or change an existing food service establishment, operators should contact the Environmental Health Division of the Peoria City/County Health Department at 309-679-6161 to get a plan review packet or download the appropriate packet. The Health Department requires a scale drawing of the proposed food service establishment set up, a copy of the menu, and all operating procedures. Directions to fill these out are in the packet.

A representative of the Environmental Health Division assesses these documents to determine the risks associated with food storage, handling, and holding. The food service establishment must then be in compliance (determined by a pre-operational inspection) before a food and drink license is issued. After a food service establishment is approved and opened, it is inspected 1 to 3 times a year, as determined by the risk level set by the Environmental Health Specialist or Practitioner working with the food service establishment.

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.

The Certified Food Protection Manager programs educate the Person in Charge on how to receive, store, prepare, and serve food in a safe manner.

View Certification Information 

View List of ANSI Approved Online Food Protection Manager Certification Programs 

Food Handler Training

ANSI approved food handler training certificates are good for three years and those taking other types of trainings that work in restaurants and other non-restaurant facilities, such as nursing homes, licensed day care homes and facilities, hospitals, schools and long-term care facilities, are good for three years.

Those working in non-restaurants, other than those listed above, are not required to take another food handler training unless they go to work for another employer. Food handler training for those working in non-restaurants is not transferable between employers.

ANSI Approved Online Food Handler Training 

Allergen Awareness Training

All Certified Food Protection Managers (CFPMs) working in a Category I restaurant must complete additional allergen training using an approved allergen awareness training program.

Certificate of course completion must be kept at the establishment, made available to the Environmental Health Specialist/Practitioner upon request, and is an item on the inspection report.

View Allergen Awareness Information

View List of ANSI Approved Allergen Awareness Online Training