Food Licensing
Ensuring that local food establishments operate in a safe and sanitary manner.
Fixed, Mobile, and Special Transitory Food Units (STFU)
A food service license is required for restaurants, mobile food units, and Special Transitory Food Units (STFUs) operating in Van Buren and Cass counties. Licensing ensures compliance with Michigan food safety laws and helps protect public health.
All food establishments must apply for the appropriate license before opening or operating. Review the requirements carefully to avoid delays or enforcement actions.
Apply for a Food Service License
Download and complete the required forms below:
For help selecting the correct license type or understanding food safety requirements, contact Environmental Health before submitting your application.
Temporary Food Service License
A Temporary Food Service License is required for short-term food service operations, such as fairs, festivals, and community events.
Application Steps
Complete all required sections of the Temporary Food Service License Application.
Complete Attachment A, if applicable to your operation.
Review the safety guide to ensure compliance with temporary food service requirements.
Download Required Forms and Guides
Temporary Food License Instructions.
Temporary Food License Application.
Temporary Food Establishment Safety Guide
Submit your completed application and required documents before your event to allow time for review and approval. For questions or assistance, contact Environmental Health prior to applying.
Van Buren and Cass Counties
The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department (VBCDHD) conducts routine restaurant and food service inspections to help protect public health and ensure compliance with Michigan food safety regulations.
Inspection Activity (Past Year)
545 food service inspections conducted
194 follow-up inspections completed
123 temporary food service licenses issued
23 mobile food unit (food truck) licenses issued
444 active food service licenses across Van Buren and Cass counties
View inspection results for restaurants, food trucks, and temporary food establishments by using the inspection report search tool.
Food Establishment Plan Review
Planning to build, remodel, or expand a food establishment in Van Buren or Cass County? A plan review is required before construction begins to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local food safety and health codes.
Get Started with Plan Review
Submit plans for new construction or remodeling of existing food establishments for review and approval before opening or operating.
Plan Review Steps
Submit detailed plans for new construction or remodeling
Address health and safety code requirements prior to opening
Receive guidance to help prevent delays or costly changes
Contact for Plan Review Assistance
For questions or assistance with your plan review, contact:
Richard Conway, Food Service Supervisor
Phone: (269) 906-0301
Access additional guidance, requirements, and supporting materials to help your project move forward.
Emergency Action Plans
Food establishments must be prepared to respond to imminent health hazards that affect food safety or operations, including:
- Fire
- Flood
- Power outages
- Water/sewer interruptions
For required response actions and reopening guidance, refer to the: MDARD Emergency Action Plans for Retail Food Establishments Guide.
Emergency Contacts
911 – Sheriff’s Department
George Friday (Environmental Health Director): (269) 539-5503
Richard Conway (Food Service Supervisor): (269) 906-0301
Danielle Persky (Health Officer): (269) 539-5000
Email: EH@vbcassdhd.org
Ensure Your Food Service is Safe
Contact Richard Conway (Van Buren and Cass County Food Service Supervisor): (269) 906-0301 to apply for licenses, schedule a plan review, or access food safety resources to keep your food business compliant and safe, or email Environmental Health at the link provided.
Resources
- Food Safety Education – Partnership for Food Safety Education.
- USDA – Food safety resources.
- FDA – Regulatory guidelines for food safety.
- MDARD – Food safety, foodborne illnesses, and recalls.
- MDARD – Michigan Cottage Foods Information
Cottage Food Law requirements, including allowable foods, labeling standards, sales limits, and direct-to-consumer sales. - MDARD – Food License Exemptions
Explains broader food license exemptions, including how cottage food producers fit into state food licensing rules.
