Enforcement and ordinances

We investigate environmental health issues in many types of businesses. We make sure businesses meet City and State rules and laws.

Unlicensed food vendor letter

Vendors are not allowed to sell food on the sidewalk and in the street without a license. Read our letter about the City's rules.
Read the letter

Overview

Businesses and issues we regulate:

Environmental Health inspector with restaurant manager

Businesses and issues we regulate

Food

Environmental Health inspects more than 4,000 businesses a year, including:

  • Restaurants
  • Food manufacturers
  • Food distributors
  • Caterers
  • Meat markets
  • Grocers
  • Confectioneries

Read Minnesota Rule 4626: Food Code

Mobile food stores

Mobile food stores can only operate on lots accessory to certain types of properties:

  • Commercial
  • Industrial
  • High-density residential

They must have the written permission of the property owner or manager.

They can sell only prepackaged staple foods and fresh produce approved by the Commissioner of Health.

Liquor and beer 

Environmental Health inspects food areas of businesses with on-sale liquor, off-sale liquor, wine and beer licenses.

Seasonal and short-term food permits

Environmental Health issues seasonal and short term permits for food and beverage vendors at both indoor and outdoor events. Environmental Health inspects farmers markets and seasonal and short term food vendors.

Vermin infestation

Environmental Health inspects vermin infestations in licensed food businesses to ensure food and beverages are not contaminated.

Garbage

Environmental Health investigates garbage and sanitation complaints in licensed food businesses.

Public pools

Environmental Health inspects public pools in schools, apartment buildings, parks, office buildings and private clubs.

Institutional, hotel, board and lodging

Environmental Health inspects institutional, hotel, board, and lodging businesses.

Read Minnesota Rule 4625: Lodging Establishments

Laundry and dry cleaning

Environmental Health inspects laundry and dry cleaning businesses and pickup stations.

Tanning

Environmental Health inspects tanning businesses.

Body art

Environmental Health inspects body art businesses.

Public school nutrition centers

  • We inspect and consult with Minneapolis Public Schools on food safety.
  • For more information about the Nutrition Center, call 612-668-2820.

Contact us

Minneapolis Health Department

Email Health Department

Phone

612-673-2301

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 520
Minneapolis, MN 55415