Temporary Food Establishments

Temporary food establishments are food establishments that operate for a period of no more than fourteen consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration.  Temporary food establishments often provide food and refreshment during sporting events, fairs, festivals, farmers’ markets, store grand opening and mass gatherings.  Despite their mobile nature, temporary food establishments must adhere to same high standards of food protection that is required for stationary permanent food establishments.

Permitting Process:

1. Submit a completed Application for Permit to Operate a Temporary Food Establishment to Gilmer County Health Department with payment of appropriate fees as detailed in the fee schedule.  Be sure to provide information regarding the time and date of the event.
2. On the date and time of the event Gilmer County Health Department will conduct an initial compliance inspection.  Upon successful completion of the inspection, Gilmer County Health Department may issue an operational permit.  Temporary food establishment permits expire on the final day of the event.  Temporary food establishments are required to meet applicable rules detailed in the 2013 FDA Food Code, W.V. 64 C.S.R. 17 and abridged in Guidelines for Operating a Temporary Food Establishment.
3. Gilmer County Health Department may conduct additional inspections of temporary food establishments depending upon the length of event, or the menu or food preparation processes of the temporary food establishment.

Most church related functions, bake sales, non-profit food booths and vendors selling only non-Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods operating intermittently do not require permitting and inspection by the Gilmer County Health Department; however, these types of establishments should register with the Gilmer County Health Department.