Let Us Know if You have Concerns
Food Safety
If something’s not right, report it.
If You See Something, Say Something
When it comes to food safety, we depend on the public’s support to report violations.
We only visit establishments that prepare food a couple of times a year. Foodborne illness can be deadly to babies and others with compromised immune systems.
Essential Information
Food Recalls
Get the latest food recalls issued by the State of Missouri.
Complaints
The Lafayette County Health Department wants to ensure the food safety and cleanliness of every dining experience. As the consumer, we look to you as our eyes and ears since we only inspect each establishment a few hours per year. If you have a complaint regarding cleanliness, service, or food quality, contact the manager of the establishment in question. If you do not feel your complaint has been addressed, please contact us. If your complaint is related to a violation of the Missouri Food Codes, report it to us directly. The phone number is 660-259-4371 x2014 or email at debbie.dreves@lpha.mo.gov.
Illnesses
The main purpose of food establishment inspections is to prevent foodborne illness or food poisoning. Getting ill from food is no joke. It happens to millions of Americans every year. Foodborne illnesses may be life-threatening to infants and toddlers, the elderly, and those with a weakened immune system. Symptoms of foodborne illnesses are usually flu-like: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps. These symptoms often begin several hours to days after eating contaminated foods. If you believe you have contracted a foodborne illness, contact your doctor. Foodborne illnesses are diagnosed by stool or vomitus samples and sometimes blood tests. Keep some of the food in question if possible. We will ask for details about what and where you ate and drank several days prior to becoming ill. To report a suspected case of foodborne illness, contact the Lafayette County Health Department, or go to Report Food Poisoning. For more information on foodborne illness, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Food Safety Education
While regulation and inspection are important functions, the main function of the Lafayette County Health Department is to provide guidance and education. There are many occasional food functions by individuals and non-profit organizations which are not required to obtain a permit, but those involved are encouraged to learn about and follow food safety guidelines. Educational presentations are available upon request. For more food safety information, visit Gateway to Government Food Safety Information.
Get more information about food handler classes.