The Defiance County Health Department provides a vital link in the chain of food safety inspections that take place from the farm to your table. All Retail Food Establishments and Food Service Operations in Defiance County must obtain a license from the Health Department. License fees are used to finance the *inspection services provided by the department.

Sanitarians from the Environmental Health Division routinely inspect all Retail Food Establishments and Food Service Operations. During inspections, sanitarians determine the facility's compliance with the Ohio Food Safety Law and cite any violations. The primary goal of the inspection service is to ensure a safe and sanitary food supply.

The Environmental Health Division also provides food safety consultations to the public, investigates consumer and foodborne illness complaints, and reviews plans for all new or remodeled facilities. 

Temporary food events, such as the county fair, fundraisers, community events, etc., require a food license.  A *Temporary Food License Application is available on-line. The license fee is $40.00 per event (up to five days).  Application and fee payment must be received five business days prior to the event. If you are planning an event, please read *Food Safety at Temporary Events for helpful tips.

For questions on licensing, plan review or to file a complaint, contact Ronald Clinger, R.S.  at 419-784-3818.

   *Acrobat reader required

Food Safety Links:   

Ohio Department of Agriculture

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Food Safety & Inspection Services

Download a free copy of "Food Safety & Food Security: What Consumers Need To Know",  (A publication developed by the USDA).  Product recalls, alerts and warnings can be found at the Food & Drug Administration website.