Food

Inspection Scores & Food Safety in Mason County

Know Before You Go

When reviewing food inspection scores, it’s important to look at an establishment’s full inspection history – not just one score – to get a more accurate understanding of its overall commitment to food safety and sanitation.

Why We Score

The Mason County Health Department uses inspection scores to assess how well food service establishments comply with sanitation codes. Our goal is to protect the public from foodborne illness by ensuring that food served in restaurants, retail food stores, and temporary food vendors is safe and uncontaminated.

How Often Are Inspections Done?

Routine inspections are conducted one to three times per years, depending on the risk level assigned to each establishment. If a facility is found to pose an immediate risk to public health, they are asked to cease operations until the issue is resolved. Legal action may follow if an establishment refuses to voluntarily shut down when necessary.

Our Approach to Food Safety

While the Mason County Health Department is a regulatory agency, we view food safety as a partnership between our team and local food operators. Our food protection program is governed by the Mason County Food Ordinance, which was passed by the Board of Health and adopted as a County Ordinance in 1995. The County ordinance generally follows mandatory state guidelines and must be at least as restrictive as the state of Illinois Food Code.

Program Focus

Our food safety program aims to identify, reduce, and whenever possible, eliminate risk factors in the food industry that could lead to foodborne illness. Program activities include:

• Licensing of food establishments
• Issue permits to temporary food stands
• Offer Food Handler’s course and certification
• Food establishment surveys
• Complaint investigations