Howard County, IN Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Howard County Health Department
- Certification standard
- 410 I.A.C. 7-22
- Max suspension
- 30 calendar days
- No-permit fine
- Up to $2,500
- Permit revocation cap
- 90 calendar days
- Applies to
- Food & bed-and-breakfast establishments
Summary
Howard County ties food and bed-and-breakfast establishment permits to certified food handlers. The Health Department may suspend a permit for up to 30 days if inspection turns up no certified food handler as required by 410 I.A.C. 7-22, alongside other imminent hazards.
(3) Title 410 IAC 7-22, Certification of Food Handler Requirements, Section 19 schedule of monetary penalties, will be used for violation of I.A.C. 7-22, unless adjusted by administrative order. ... (1) The County Health Department may suspend a permit to operate a bed and breakfast establishment and/or food establishment if it determines, through inspection or examination of employee, food, records, or other means as specified in this chapter, that an imminent health hazard exists or that there is no certified food handler as required by 410 I.A.C. 7-22, and shall not exceed 30 calendar days.
Full Breakdown
05 makes food handler certification part of the permit compliance scheme the County Health Department enforces against every food establishment and bed and breakfast operating in unincorporated Howard County. C. 7-22. A summary suspension can be issued in writing without prior notice or a hearing if the Regulatory Authority determines an imminent hazard exists, though the permit holder may request a hearing to contest the compliance action once notified. C. 7-22, Section 19, to calculate fines for violations of the certification requirement, unless that schedule is adjusted by administrative order.
C. C. 16-42-5. Fines collected are deposited into the county health fund. Any operator whose application is denied receives written notice of the reasons, the corrective steps needed, and appeal rights. A revoked permit may be withheld for up to 90 days, longer for repeat noncompliance. All outstanding fines must be paid before a permit is renewed.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a certified food handler can trigger a permit suspension of up to 30 calendar days under § 111.05(E)(1); operating without any valid permit at all carries a fine of up to $2,500 under § 111.05(A)(1). Certification violations are fined using the 410 I.A.C. 7-22, Section 19 penalty schedule, and broader food-code violations follow the Title 410 I.A.C. 7-23 Schedule of Civil Penalties under I.C. 16-42-5. Fines are paid into the county health fund and must be cleared before a permit renews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Howard County require a certified food handler on site?
What happens if I operate a food establishment without a permit in unincorporated Howard County?
Can I appeal a suspended or denied food permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Howard County
Compare Howard County to another location·View the Indiana public health rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.