A "Temporary Food Establishment" permit is required to sell food or drink at a special event. This permit is issued in conjunction with a fair, carnival, circus, public exhibition, or other similar gathering which operates for a period of 15 days or less.

Examples are the NC State Fair, holiday festivals, and traveling carnivals.

Before selling food at an event, the Union County Environmental Health Department wants you to be aware that the state requires a permit to sell food to the public. Failure to obtain a permit is a criminal misdemeanor and a mandatory court appearance.

Examples of events where a permit is needed include:
     • Barbeque fundraisers for personal needs
     • A School or Church supper if food is sold more than two consecutive
       days per month
     • An event that charges admission and provides food
     • An event where organizers have hired someone to cook food
     • Selling food on private property

Establishments which only serve dip ice cream, popcorn, candied apples, fried dough, and cotton candy do not require a temporary food establishment permit from this Department.

The purpose of this rule is to help prevent foodborne outbreaks. Environmental Health ensures the food is from an approved source and educates the food handler. This includes proper hand washing, final cook temperatures, hot and cold food holding temperatures and other pertinent issues that could contribute to a foodborne illness.

A “Temporary Food Establishment” permit is issued in conjunction with that special event. It is the responsibility of the Special Event Organizer to complete the Temporary Event Organizer Packet and return the packet to our office for processing.

For Rules Governing Food Service Establishments click "Rules & Guidelines" located to the right of the screen.