Health Inspector Requirements for Coffee Stands in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, every food service establishment, including coffee shops and coffee stands, must be licensed to sell food and drink. An important part of the licensing process is the health inspection, in which the coffee stand is inspected by a trained employee or agent of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. These inspections help ensure that all the established health and safety regulations are being met to prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses.

Frequency of Inspections

• The Wisconsin Administrative Code requires that all food service establishments be inspected at least once every year. If the food service establishment serves only prepackaged food delivered from a manufacturer outside of the restaurant, health inspections are required every 18 months. However, if the health department determines that the establishment presents a greater-than-average risk --- such as a number of previous failed inspections --- the department of health services may increase the frequency of inspections.

Cleanliness and Safety

• In general, health inspectors look at the overall cleanliness and safety of the coffee stand. Floors and counters should be clean, as well as customer self-service areas. Inspectors will look for evidence of insects and rodents, and for evidence that any potential pests are being controlled. Storage areas should be clean and organized, according to food safety protocols, and the beverage dispensers must be clean and operated according to safety standards.

Water Supply

• A key part of a coffee stand is the water supply, and health inspectors pay close attention to the water used to make beverages. Inspectors ensure that the water supply is from an approved source and free of contaminants, and that the hot water supply is sufficient and safe. Food service establishments must also have sufficient hand-washing facilities, preferably with faucets that can be turned on and off without using your hands.

Temperature

• Inspectors in Wisconsin also pay close attention to how food and supplies are stored in coffee stands. All food must be kept at the proper temperature, and nothing can be past its expiration date. If the stand uses ice, the inspector will look at the ice-making and storage system, to ensure that it is clean and functioning properly.

Garbage and Recycling

• Coffee stands generally produce a large amount of waste, and inspectors will investigate to make sure that the garbage and other waste are being properly handled. Inspectors will also ensure that any recyclables are also being properly stored.

Violations

• If your coffee stand does not pass a health inspection, you are generally given an opportunity to correct any violations and request a re-inspection. There are fees for re-inspection that vary according to the violation. If you do not pass the re-inspection, or you have repeated violations, your coffee stand may be closed, and your operator's license may be revoked or suspended.