Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals New Interagency AgreementsCity of Dubuque
City Council Meeting
Consent Items # 024.
Copyrighted
June 17, 2024
ITEM TITLE: Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals New Interagency
Agreement
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending City Council approve the 28E agreement
with the Iowa Department Inspections and Appeals for inspections,
performance of food and hotel licensing, and enforcement with respect to
retail food establishments.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Approve
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
MVM Memo
Staff Memo
I D I A Interagency Agreement
I D I A Agreement Attachements
Type
City Manager Memo
Staff Memo
Supporting Documentation
Supporting Documentation
THE C
Dubuque
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TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals New Interagency Agreement
DATE: June 12, 2024
Public Health Director Mary Rose is recommending City Council approve the 28E
agreement with the Iowa Department Inspections and Appeals for inspections,
performance of food and hotel licensing, and enforcement with respect to retail food
establishments.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
CC' Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health Director
THE CITY OF
DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
AII•America City
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health Director
Health Services Department
City Hall Annex
1300 Main Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
Office (563) 589-4181
Fax (563) 589-4299
TTY (563) 589-4193
health@cityofdubuque. org
www.cityofdubuque.org
SUBJECT: Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals New Interagency Agreement
DATE: June 10, 2024
INTRODUCTION
This memorandum provides information regarding the Iowa Department of Inspections
and Appeals (IDIA) renewal agreement with the City of Dubuque for performance of
food and hotel licensing, inspections, and enforcement with respect to retail food
establishments.
BACKGROUND
Since 1978, the City Council has continued a Memorandum of Understanding with the
State in order to allow the City to license, inspect and enforce the Iowa Food Service
Sanitation Code, Iowa Hotel Sanitation Code, the Iowa Food and Home Food
Establishment Codes, and the Iowa Food & Beverage Vending Machine laws. The
most recent agreement was from July 2021 through June 30, 2024.
The City carries out the terms of this agreement through the 2.5 Environmental
Sanitarians in the Health Services Department. Regular inspections are made of
restaurants, schools, grocery and convenience stores, mobile food units, hotels,
taverns, and temporary food stands throughout the city.
DISCUSSION
The duration of the agreement was determined by progress on meeting FDA Voluntary
National Retail Food Program Standards, a requirement of IDIA, along with overall
program outcomes and being on the same cycle as the other DIA contracts throughout
the state. The longest term -agreements are 3 years for agencies that have met the
required standards by June 30, 2024, which we have complied with.
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
BUDGET IMPACT
FY'23 revenue generated by license fees collected from these various establishments
was $147,605. FY'24 revenues are currently at 92% of the budget. Projected revenue
for FY'25 is $150,000.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve the 28E agreement with the IDIA for
inspection, licensing, and enforcement of these establishments.
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
Participants
Full Legal Name Organization Type County
Party 1 City of Dubuque City Dubuque
Party 2 Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals,
and Licensing State Agency Polk
530 - Health
Service Type
Authorize the performance of food and hotel licensing, inspection, and enforcement activities by the Local Health Agency on behalf of the Iowa
Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.
Purpose
06/30/2027
Duration
Contact Person: (Optional)
Contact First Name
Contact Last Name
Job Title
Department
Iowa Secretary of State
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
sos.iowa.gov
FILED
Filing Date: 07/18/2024 04:08 PM
Filing Number: M517177
28E Agreement
Participants
Phone Number
Copyrighted
J une 17, 2024
City of Dubuque
Consent Items # 024.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: lowa Department of Inspections and Appeals New Interagency
Agreement
SUM MARY: City Manager recommending City Council approve the 28E agreement
with the lowa Department I nspections and Appeals for inspections,
performance of food and hotel licensing, and enforcement with respect to
retail food establishments.
SUGGESTED Suggested Disposition: Receive and File;Approve
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
MVM Memo City Manager Memo
Staff Memo Staff Memo
IDIA InteragencyAgreement Supporting Documentation
I DIA Agreement Attachements Supporting Documentation
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
Between
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONS, APPEALS, & LICENSING
And
CITY OF DUBUQUE
This Interagency Agreement (hereinafter "Agreement")is entered into between the
Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (hereinafter "Department")
and City of Dubuque (hereinafter "Local Health Agency") pursuant to the authority
of Iowa Code section 28E.12.
1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE: The purpose of this Agreement is to authorize the
performance of food and hotel licensing, inspection, and enforcement activities by the
Local Health Agency on behalf of the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and
Licensing. The scope of the Local Health Agency's authority is limited to the
performance of licensing, inspections, and enforcement with respect to hotels
pursuant to Iowa Code chapters 137C (Hotel Sanitation Code), home food processing
establishments pursuant to 137D (Home Food Processing Establishments) and food
establishments pursuant to 137F (Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants).
The Department shall inspect in accordance with and enforce all applicable laws as
they apply to food processing plants pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 137F, including
those whose operation is limited to the storage of food products and those that
manufacture,package or label food products. The Department hereby retains its
independent authority to license, inspect, enforce, or take any other action it deems
necessary pertaining to any establishments to be inspected by the Local Health
Agency. The Department will inform the Local Health Agency of any action it has
completed within the Local Health Agency's jurisdiction.
2. DELEGATION: The Local Health Agency is hereby authorized to enforce Iowa
Code Chapters 137C (Hotel Sanitation Code), 137D (Home Food Processing
Establishments) and 137F (Food Establishments and Food Processing Plants) with
respect to food establishments as long as this Agreement is in force.
3. GEOGRAPHICAL REGION: Food and hotel licensing, inspections, and
enforcement shall be conducted by the Local Health Agency in the following
geographical region: City of Dubuque
4. DURATION: This Agreement shall commence on July 1, 2024 shall continue in
full force and effect until June 30, 2027.
5. TERMINATION: Either party may terminate this Agreement by providing the
other party a written notice of intent to terminate at least ninety (90) days prior to the
intended date of termination. Notice shall specify the reasons for termination and be
delivered by U.S. certified mail. Upon termination, the Local Health Agency shall
transfer to the Department all inspection, licensing, and enforcement records in its
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possession, and all other documents generated as a result of this Agreement. Not later
than thirty (30) days following the termination date, the Local Health Agency shall
transfer all materials to the Department at the following address:
Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing
Food Safety Bureau
6200 Park Avenue Suite 100.
Des Moines, Iowa 50321-1270
6. DUTIES OF LOCAL HEALTH AGENCY: The Local Health Agency agrees
that the Agency and its employees shall:
a. Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations,
executive orders, and Department guidance when performing within the scope of this
Agreement.
b. Apply Iowa Code Chapters 137C (Hotel Sanitation Code), 137D (Home Food
Processing Establishments) and 137F (Food Establishments and Food Processing
Plants), as well as administrative rules promulgated pursuant to these chapters, to
food establishments, hotels and motels, and home food processing establishments
found in the designated geographical region specified by Section 3 of this Agreement.
c. Conduct pre-opening, routine, follow-up, and complaint inspections for food
establishments using the Food Code as adopted pursuant to Iowa Code section
137F.2. Conduct pre-opening, routine, follow-up and complaint inspections for home
food processing establishments using 481 Iowa Admin. Code chapter 34, as adopted
pursuant to Iowa Code section 137D.2. The routine inspection frequency shall be a
risk-based system and no less frequent than the Department's frequency (see
Attachment 1—Risk Assessment and Inspection Frequency Policy for current risk-
based frequency). The Local Health Agency shall complete at least 80% of follow-up
inspections within time frames established in the Agency's written compliance and
enforcement procedures. The Local Health Agency shall respond to at least 90% of
illness complaints within the response time specified in the Agency's written
procedure. The Local Health Agency shall respond to at least 85% of non-illness
complaints within the response time specified in the Agency's written procedure.
d. Conduct complaint, pre-opening, and follow-up inspections of hotels and motels
using 481 Iowa Admin. Code chapter 37, as adopted pursuant to Iowa Code chapter
137C.7 .
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e. Forward requests for variances or HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control
Points) plans and Agency recommendations to the Department for approvaL It is the
responsibility of the Local Health Agency to work directly with the regulated
establishment to ensure HACCP plans contain all of the information specified in
section 8-201.14 of the Food Code adopted pursuant to 481 Iowa Admin. Code r.
31.1. It is also the responsibility of the Local Health Agency to submit the completed
HACCP plans along with their recommendations to the Department for approval.
Variances and HACCP plan approvals may only be granted by the Department if
sufficient information is provided to substantiate the need and propriety for the action.
The Department shall provide the Local Health Agency with copies of approvals of
all variances or HACCP plans within the Local Health Agency's geographic region.
f. Issue State licenses. Licenses, applications, and inspection forms will be on forms
prescribed by the Department. The actual cost of the forms or materials shall be paid
by the Local Health Agency. The Local Health Agency shall also distribute any
materials during inspections that are provided by the Department without cost to the
Local Health Agency. The Department anticipates during the term of this Agreement
it will adopt a new data system and assume all responsibility for processing license
applications and issuing licenses, except when paper applications are necessary due to
extenuating circumstances that exist that prevent an applicant from completing an
online application. The financial implications of such anticipated changes are
addressed in section 8, "Manner of Financing."
g. Notify the Department within one business day of the eXistence of any potential
foodborne or food-related injury caused by, or suspected of having been caused by,
unsanitary conditions existing in any establishment licensed or inspected under this
Agreement. The Department will conduct all foodborne illness environmental
assessments. If requested by the Department, the Local Health Agency will
participate in the investigation and conduct a concurrent regulatory inspection.
h. Cooperate in any federal or state food program survey to be conducted within the
jurisdiction of the Local Health Agency during the terms of this Agreement. The
Local Health Agency is encouraged to establish Google Accounts for staff inembers
participating in surveys and accessing documents.
i. To the greatest extent possible, all inspectors shall complete inspection reports for
food service establishments, retail food establishments, mobile food establishments,
hotels/motels, and home food processing establishments via the electronic inspection
application including electronic signatures. Further, inspectors shall, in accordance
with Departmental guidance, update the facility account contact information,
emergency contacts, operation type, classification, sub classification, and franchise
with each inspection. The Local Health Agency shall routinely review data system
files to ensure facility information is updated during inspections and take corrective
actions when deficiencies are identified.
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j. Take corrective action on all food disasters that occur in areas covered by this
Agreement. Such disasters include, but are not limited to, handling or disposing of
food in cases of fire, windstorms and floods. The Local Health Agency shall enter all
food disasters and upload reports and other documentation to the data system. The
Local Health Agency shall immediately notify the Department of any suspected
intentional contamination of food in a regulated establishment.
k. Hire inspection personnel who possess experience and educational qualifications
equivalent to the Environmental Specialist classification, as defined by the Iowa
Department of Administrative Services, Human Resources Enterprise.
All Local Health Agency food inspection personnel shall complete Training, as
prescribed by Standard 2 of the FDA Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory
Program Standards (2022) or successors and complete standardization to the FDA
Food Code within twenty-four (24) months of beginning food inspection work and
every thirty-six (36) months thereafter.
All inspector trainings and continuing education shall be accounted for by the
Local Health Agency by uploading course completion certificates or other
documentation into the ABSORB data system. Each inspector shall also attend the
Department's new inspector training within twenty-four (24) months of beginning
food inspection work, if available.
All inspectors shall also complete the CDC's National Voluntary Environmental
Assessment Information System (NEARS) EATS 101 Foundation Skills.
1. Send representation, absent Department-approved extenuating circumstances, to all
Department-sponsored regional meetings and FDA training in Iowa. Further,
jurisdictions are encouraged to send inspectors to FDA developed training FD 215
Managing Retail Food Safety, FD 218 Risk-based Inspection Methods in Retail, and
FD 312 Special Process at Retail when they are in nearby states or accessible online
and required to send any inspectors that have not completed the classes when they are
held in Iowa.
m. Refer to the Department all processing plants, including those that are
manufacturing thermally processed low acid foods packaged in hermetically sealed
containers under 21 CFR Part 113 or acidified foods under 21 CFR Part 114.
n. Send all plans for Reduced Oxygen Packaging under 3-502.12 of the Food Code to
the Department.
o. Use and include all supervisory, inspection, and administrative staff on the
Foodshield system. This system contains current policy interpretations and resources
related to the performance of this agreement.
p. Provide an up-to-date contact sheet within 30 days of signing this Agreement,
within 30 days of changes, and reviewing and updating every siX-months thereafter.
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The Local Health Agency shall also provide at least one after-hours emergency
contact.
q. Maintain, in good standing, enrollment in the FDA's Voluntary National Retail
Food Regulatory Programs Standards including completing and submitting a self-
assessment of all 9 Program Standards to the FDA at least once every 60 months.
Further, the Local Health Agency shall submit all verification audits to the FDA for
any Standards that are met.
r. Meet the following program standards from the FDA's Voluntary National Retail
Food Regulatory Program Standards (2022).
i. Standard 2—Trained Regulatory Staff
ii. Standard 3—Inspection Program Based on HACCP Principles
iii. Standard 4—Uniform Inspection Program
iv. Standard 6—Compliance and Enforcement
v. Standard 9 —Program Assessment
vi. If a local health agency does not currently meet or completes a self-
assessment and finds that the agency does not meet one of the above
Standards, the agency shall complete an improvement plan documenting
the timeframes, tasks and activities, and responsible parties for task and
activity completion, and submit the improvement plan to the Department
for review within 90 days of the execution of this agreement or 90 days
from the date of the self-assessment
s. Provide the Department with a copy of any self-assessment completed and the
Department shall audit any standards met.
t. Use the data system adopted by the Department for inspections and licensing of
establishments pursuant to this Agreement. All inspections and licenses shall be
entered into the data system in a timely manner. With the exception of temporary
events and farmer's market inspections, inspections shall be conducted using the
electronic inspection data system. Absent extraordinary circumstances, inspections
shall not be completed on paper and later entered into the system.
u. Enter all complaints received against establishments including reported food
disasters covered under this agreement into the electronic data system. Further, the
Local Health Agency shall follow instructions provided by the Department for
entering complaints and the follow up to complaints including investigations and
other types of follow up. The Local Health Agency shall have written procedures that
specify specific response time for complaints. Complaint inspections shall be
scheduled for all complaints where an on-site inspection is conducted. The complaint
inspection must be scheduled with a due date not to exceed the response time
specified in the written procedure. During this contract period, the Department will
review the consumer complaint reporting process.
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v. Provide notice to the Department of any significant changes in staff involved in the
food program including inspectors, administrative support, and management.
Significant changes in staffing may result in a reassessment by the Department of the
contracting agreement.
w. Have memorandum of understanding (MOU) with either another Local Health
Agency currently contracting with the Department or the Department to provide the
services outlined in this agreement if inspection personnel are unavailable. A copy of
the MOU shall be provided to the Department.
x. The Local Health Agency shall maintain a 20.88 information sharing agreement
with the FDA to allow the sharing of information during recalls and other food
emergencies.
7. DUTIES OF DEPARTMENT: The Department agrees that the Department and
its employees shall:
a. Answer local health agency questions on federal and state rules, regulations,
executive orders and Department guidance under the scope of this Agreement.
b. Provide technical guidance to the Local Health Agency related to HACCP plans
submissions. The Department will review and approve or deny variance requests and
HACCP plans taking into account the recommendation of the Local Health Agency
and notify the Local Health Agency of the disposition of each request under the
jurisdiction of the Local Health Agency.
c. Provide licenses and forms prescribed by the Department for the cost of producing
the licenses and forms. The Department anticipates during the term of this Agreement
it will adopt a new data system and assume all responsibility for processing license
applications and issuing licenses, except when paper applications are necessary due to
extenuating circumstances that exist that prevent an applicant from completing an
online application.. The financial implications of such anticipated changes are
addressed in section 8, "Manner of Financing."
d. Provide the Local Health Agency with any complaints or foodborne illness
requests received by the Department for entities under the jurisdiction of the Local
Health Agency. When the Department determines that an environmental assessment
is warranted in response to a foodborne illness outbreak, the Department will conduct
the environmental assessments. The Department may request that the Local Health
Agency participate in the environmental assessment or to conduct concurrent a
regulatory inspection.
e. Provide guidance to the Local Health Agency when investigating a foodborne
illness or foodborne illness complaint.
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f. Provide ongoing performance reviews and feedback, including periodic reviews
during this agreement.
g. Provide an electronic data system that includes mobile inspection capabilities.
h. Provide guidance to the Local Health Agency during food disasters and potential
intentional contamination events.
i. Provide new inspectors training as needed, but no less than annually, if at least 3
individuals have registered for the course.
j. Provide food-related courses to assist the Local Health Agency in meeting
continuing education requirements.
k. Provide audits for the FDA Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program
Standards (2022).
l. Provide standardization of one inspector per Local Health Agency and re-
standardization as required. The location of standardization inspections will be
determined by the Department.
m. Provide the ABSORB system for tracking of food training records.
8. MANNER OF FINANCING: The functions to be performed by the Local
Health Agency are to be financed by the Local Health Agency at no obligation to the
Department. Licensing fees shall be assessed as prescribed by applicable Iowa law.
The Local Health Agency shall retain the licensing fee set in Iowa Code sections
137C.9(2017), 137D.2(2017) and 137F.6(2017) and their successors.
a. The Department will retain a percentage of the license fees submitted though the
USA Food Safety data system as a processing fee. The processing fee will be used to
support 50% of the cost to maintain, support, and host the USA Food Safety data
system provided by the Department. The processing fee will be determined and
calculated as follows:
The Department will determine the reasonably anticipated cost to maintain, support,
and host the USA Food Safety data system for the following fiscal year, which will be
based upon the actual cost to maintain, support, and host the USA Food Safety data
system during the prior fiscal year, adjusted for any reasonably certain additional
costs or savings anticipated by the Department in the following fiscal year. The
Department will also determine the reasonably anticipated total license fees to be
received by the Department during the following fiscal year, which will be based
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upon the actual amount of license fees received by the Department on behalf of the
local health agencies during the previous fiscal year. The Department will allocate
50% of the reasonably anticipated cost to maintain, support, and host the USA Food
Safety data system to the local health agencies, in aggregate, and divide that amount
by the total amount of license fees received by the Department on behalf of all local
health agencies. The resulting percentage will be the fee retention withheld from each
license fee received by the Department on behalf of the Local Health Agency in the
current fiscal year. The total amount of fees retained by the Department from the
Local Health Agency annually will be capped so as not to exceed the Local Health
Agency's percentage of licenses issued as compared to the total number of local
health agency licenses issued. The manner of financing is expected to change from
the manner described in Section 8(a) to the manner described in Section 8(c) on July
1, 2025.
The following is an illustration of the retention fee percentage calculation described
above: Based upon the actual cost to maintain, support, and host the USA Food Safety
data system during fiscal year 2022, including any reasonably certain adjustments, the
reasonably anticipated cost to maintain, support, and host the USA Food Safety data
system during fiscal year 2023 is $100,000 annually. Based upon the total license fees
received by the Department on behalf of all local health agencies during fiscal year
2022, the total license fees reasonably anticipated to be received by the Department
on behalf of all local health agencies during fiscal year 2023 is $350,000. 50% of the
reasonably anticipated cost to maintain, support, and host the USA Food Safety data
system is $50,000 ($100,000 x .50 = $50,000). The retention percentage is thus 14.3%
50,000/$350,000 =.143). Accordingly, the percentage retained by the Department
from each license fee received by the Department on behalf of the Local Health
Agency in fiscal year 2023 is 14.3%.
The following is an illustration of the cap on the total amount of fees retained by the
Department from the Local Health Agency annually: The Local Health Agency
accounts for 1,000 licenses in fiscal year 2022. In total, local health agencies issued
10,0001icenses in fiscal year 2022. Accordingly, Local Health Agency's percentage
of licenses issued as compared to the total number of local health agency licenses
issued is 10% (1,000 /10,000 =. 1). Per the illustration above, 50% of the reasonably
anticipated cost to maintain, support, and host the USA Food Safety data system
allocated to the local health agencies was $50,000. Accordingly, the total amount of
fees retained by the Department from Local Health Agency annually will be capped at
10% of$50,000, or $5,000 (10% x $50,000 = $5,000).
b. The processing fee will be adjusted annually. If, at any time, the Department
receives additional funding dedicated to the support of the USA Food Safety data
system from other sources, the processing fee may be reduced, eliminated, or delayed
to account for the reduced cost to maintain, support, and host the USA Food Safety
data system.
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c. The Department anticipates during the term of this Agreement it will adopt a new
data system and assume all responsibility for processing license applications and
issuing licenses, except when paper applications are necessary due to extenuating
circumstances that exist that prevent an applicant from completing an online
application. The Department anticipates fully funding the implementation cost of the
new data system and the continued cost of maintenance, support and hosting of the
USA Food Safety System for a period of time following the transition to the new data
system. Following implementation of the new data system, the Local Health Agency
will be charged annually for each internal user license acquired by the Local Health
Agency. Each internal user license is anticipated to cost be between $350 and $500
annually. In addition to the user license cost, the Department anticipates retaining a
1% a portion of each license fee as a processing fee to support application processing
and data system enhancements. The change in the manner of financing described in
Section 8(a) to the manner described in Section 8(c) is expected to occur on July 1,
2025. At least 30 days prior to adopting the new data system and assuming all
responsibility for processing license applications and issuing licenses, the Department
will determine the actual internal user license cost for the new data system and
calculate the processing fee based on the reasonably anticipated annual cost of
application processing and data system enhancements. The processing fee will be
reviewed annually and may be adjusted annually based on the reasonably anticipated
annual cost of application processing and data system enhancements
9. EMPLOYEES: Department employees are not employees of the Local Health
Agency.
a. Salaries, unemployment, and liability. The Department shall remain liable for its
employees' salaries, unemployment compensation, workers' compensation protection
and civil liabilities pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 669. Each Department employee
shall be deemed to be performing regular duties for the Department while performing
services pursuant to this Agreement. Local Health Agency employees are not
employees of the Department. The Local Health Agency shall remain liable for its
employees' salaries, unemployment compensation, workers' compensation protection
and civil liabilities pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 670. Each Local Health Agency
employee shall be deemed to be performing regular duties for the Local Health
Agency while performing services pursuant to the Agreement.
9 Page
b. Conflict of interest. Each Local Health Agency employee responsible for
performing inspection, supervisory, or administrative functions under this agreement
shall complete a Conflict of Interest Statement(see Attachment 2) which shall be
updated at least annually or upon change. If there is a conflict of interest, the Local
Health Agency shall submit the conflict of interest statement and proposed plan to
remediate the conflict. This shall be completed within thirty (30) days of signing of
the agreement and within thirty (30) days of report of a conflict. The Department
shall accept, reject, or propose modifications to the remediation of conflicts by local
health agency employees within thirty (30) days of receipt.
c. Secondary employment. Each Local Health Agency shall also complete a Conflict
of Interest Statement and proposed remediation for any employees with secondary
employment that involves providing goods, products, services, or labor of any kind to
establishments licensed and inspected by the Local Health Agency pursuant to this
agreement.
10. REFERRALS: Any complaints made to the Department regarding an
establishment regulated by the Local Health Agency shall be referred to the Local
Health Agency for investigation and enforcement. Complaint referrals shall be
investigated with utmost expediency, but in no case shall this exceed seven (7)
calendar days. The Local Health Agency will provide a written copy of its findings
regarding the referred complaint to the Department within five (5) working days of
the completion of the investigation via the electronic data system. The Local Health
Agency may adopt the Department's Complaint Policies and Procedures. If the
Department's Complaint Policies and Procedures are adopted, the timeframes for
investigation of complaints within that document shall apply. All complaints shall be
entered into the electronic data system.
1L LEGAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE ENTITY: No new legal or administrative
entity is created by this Agreement.
12. PROPERTY: Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to affect any change
with respect to the ownership of the real or personal property of either party to this
Agreement.
13. FILING AND RECORDING: Pursuant to Iowa Code section 28E.8, a copy of
this Agreement shall be filed by the Department with the Secretary of State.
14. COUNTERPARTS: The parties agree that this Agreement has been or may be
executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all
such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
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11 | Page
15.SEVERABILITY: If any provision of this Agreement is determined by the court
of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, such determination shall not
affect the validity or enforceability of any other part or provision of this Agreement.
The undersigned hereby execute and enter into this Agreement. Each signatory
represents that he or she has been authorized in accordance with state law to sign and
bind the agency represented.
By _____________________________________ Date _____________
Larry Johnson, Jr. D irector
Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals
and Licensing
By _____________________________________ Date _____________
Signature)
Print or Type Name)
Title)
City of Dubuque
Attachments:
Attachment 1: Risk Assessment and Inspection Frequency_SOP_RETAIL_V (5)
Attachment 2: Potential Conflict of Interest Statement 2024
Attachment 3: Complaint Response SOP_HFPE_MFRPS_Retail_RRT_V6
06/18/2024
Michael C. Van Milligen
City Manager
07/01/2024
Attachment 1 Risk Assessment
lowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
Food and Consumer Safety Bureau
Title: Risk Assessment and Inspection Frequency Procedure
Effective Date: 10/OS/2022 Pages:7
Table of Contents
1. Purpose
2. Scope
3. Background
4. Responsibility
5. Definitions
6. Procedures
7. Related Documents
8. Safety
9. Circulation
10. Approval
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to define and describe the elements of the lowa Department of
Inspections and Appeals (DIA) Food Bureau Risk Assessment and Inspection Frequency Policy for
retail food establishments, home food processing establishments, and hotels.
2. SCOPE
This policy will apply to all food establishments, home food processing establishments, and hotels
directly regulated by the DIA Food and Consumer Safety Bureau.
3. BACKGROUND
The inspection program adopted by DIA will provide the foundation for determining the compliance
of food service and retail establishments with local, state and federal laws.
DIA Retail Inspection Program will focus on high risk establishments by focusing on determining and
documenting compliance, and targeting immediate and long-term correction of out-of-control risk
factors through demonstration of active managerial control.
4. RESPONSIBILITY
Bureau Chief—The Bureau Chief or designee will review all policies and procedures that apply to
DIA administrative and general bureau functions and issue final approval of those policies and
procedures.
Assistant Bureau Chief—The Assistant Bureau Chief will review all policies and procedures which
apply to DIA administrative and bureau functions and will serve as a designee for the Bureau Chief.
Field Inspectors—The Field inspectors will follow the procedures described as applicable to their
position and notify their Supervisor when the procedures cannot be followed.
Page 1 of 7
Disclaimer: A printed hardcopy or download of this document is uncontrolled. Please refer back to the
FoodSHIELD lowa Food and Consumer Safety Regulators workgroup for current and fit-for-use version.
Attachment 1 Risk Assessment
lowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
Food and Consumer Safety Bureau
Title: Risk Assessment and Inspection Frequency Procedure
Effective Date: 10/OS/2022 Pages:7
Regional Inspection Supervisor—The Regional Inspection Supervisors oversee all field assignments
and provide leadership to all field staff personnel for compliance with this policy. Supervisors will
ensure that Field Inspectors are trained to follow and comply with this policy.
Retail Food Program Lead—The Retail Food Program Lead will be the technical expert on retail food
Inspections and will ensure that all retail Field Inspectors and Supervisors are trained to follow and
comply with this policy.The Retail Lead develops and updates the policy under the advisement of
the Bureau Chief and will assist in the review of this policy for the Voluntary National Retail Food
Regulatory Program Standards.The Retail Program lead will serve as a designee for compliance with
this procedure.
5. DEFINITIONS
Demonstration of Control Item (DCI)Violation-a violation of a provision of law or regulations in a
home food processing establishment that is unable to provide clear and convincing evidence of
implementing written standard processes and practices that are intended to control food safety
hazards. Specifically,that the person in charge is present, understands food safety principles and
demonstrates control of food safety and the person in charge has completed an approved food
safety training course.
Foodborne Illness Risk Factor and Public Health Intervention Violation-a violation of a provision of
law or regulations whose applications contribute directly to the elimination, prevention, or
reduction to an acceptable level, hazards associated with foodborne illness or injury and there is no
other provision that more directly controls the hazard.
Good Manufacturing Practice(GMP)Violation-a violation of a provision of law or regulations in a
home food processing establishment that is not a demonstration of control violation.
Non-Foodborne Illness Risk Factor and Public Health Intervention Violation — a violation of a
provision of law or regulations that is not a Foodborne Illness Risk Factor and Public Health
Intervention violation. Referred to as Good Retail Practices (GRPs).
6. PROCEDURES
Risk Levels may only be adjusted based on the Risk Assessment Criteria. Routine inspection
frequency may be adjusted to a more frequent timeframe without changing the established risk
level.
6.1. Routine inspection frequency may be adjusted to be more frequent than the established time
frame based on the following criteria:
6.1.1. Establishments that have shown consistent non-compliance with risk factor or
demonstration of control violations (2 or more consecutive routine orcomplaint
inspections with repeat risk factor violations).
6.1.2. Establishments that have violations of demonstration of knowledge, duties of the
person in charge, or demonstration of control.
Page 2 of 7
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Attachment 1 Risk Assessment
lowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
Food and Consumer Safety Bureau
Title: Risk Assessment and Inspection Frequency Procedure
Effective Date: 10/OS/2022 Pages:7
6.1.3. Establishments that have shown consistent non-compliance with multiple violations of
Good Retail Practices(GRP)" or"Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)" such as 4 ormore
repeat GRP or GMP violations on consecutive inspections without showingimprovement.
6.1.4. Establishments with verified complaints concerning risk factor or demonstration of
control violations.
6.1.5. Establishments that have been linked to an FBI outbreak by epidemiological evidence.
6.1.6. Home food processing establishments that have distributed adulterated homemade food
items.
6.1.7. Home food processing establishments that have distributed prohibited foods.
6.1.8. Establishments that frequently change their scope of business.
6.2.Additional factors to consider when establishing a risk level if the criteria is not definitive:
6.2.1.The number of customers a facility regularly serves.
6.3. Home Food Processing Establishments(HFPE)
6.3.1. Each HFPE will be inspected prior to operation and upon a received complaint.
6.3.2. Menu changes will be reviewed upon submission and Risk Level will be assessed basedon
the menu and food preparation process.
6.3.3. Low Risk HFPE: Inspections will be conducted prior to operation and upon a received
complaint only, unless directed by the Bureau Chief or Designee.
Risk Level Determination: TCS Baked Goods including soft and cream pies,
cheesecakes,filled pastries, and TCS frostings, for sale directly to the consumer or for
resale. Non-TCS Foods, except for those subject to regulation under IAC-481.34.6(6)
Preparation Methods" and intended for resale.
6.3.4. Medium Risk: Routine inspections every 84 months.
Risk Level Determination: Food storage only of the permit holder's frozen inspected meat
or poultry that is sold at farmer's markets, mail order, or through their licensed mobile
food unit.
6.3.5. High Risk: Routine inspections every 36 months, may be adjusted to every 24 or 12
months based on the criteria set forth in 6.1.
Risk Level Determination:TCS homemade food items, other than TCS baked goods and
packaged meat or poultry,for sale directly to the consumer or for resale. Non-TCS homemade
food items included in IAC 481-34.6(6) "Preparation Methods" and intended for resale.
6.4. Hotels
6.4.1. Hotels are not assigned a Risk Level. Hotel inspections will be conducted prior to
operating and upon a received complaint.
6.4.2. Routine Hotel inspections will not be conducted unless directed by the Bureau Chiefor
Designee.
Page 3 of 7
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Attachment 1 Risk Assessment
lowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
Food and Consumer Safety Bureau
Title: Risk Assessment and Inspection Frequency Procedure
Effective Date: 10/OS/2022 Pages:7
6.5. Food Establishments
6.5.1. Food Establishments will be inspected prior to operation, upon a received complaintand
at the established inspection frequency based on risk.
Annual Temporary and Annual Farmers Market Food Establishments will be
inspected annually.
6.5.2. Preoperational inspections will not be conducted for food establishments thatchange
ownership unless the inspector determines there are extenuating circumstances that
require a pre-operational inspection such as:
Facilities that are past due for a routine inspection.
An Inspection history that demonstrates a lack of adequate refrigerationor
equipment, or indicates poorly maintained physical facilities orequipment.
6.5.3. Risk Level 1 (Very Low) Inspections will be conducted prior to operation and upona
received complaint only, unless directed by the Bureau Chief or Designee.
Risk Level Determination: Process 1 Foods- No Cook/Kill Step. No Consumer Advisory.
Limited menu and limited preparation or handling of foods- No CFPM Required.
Types of facilities may include bars or taverns without food preparation; retail stores
with mostly prepackaged items or unpackaged non PHF/TCS foods. (Dollar General,
Bulk Food Stores, Health Food Stores, convenience stores without food preparation
and hotel continental breakfast with minimal food preparation).
Class 2 Mobile Food Units (prepackaged foods hot or cold food only)
Unattended Food Establishments
Vending Machines
6.5.4. Risk Level 2(Low) Routine inspections every 60 months, may be adjusted to every 48 or 36
based on inspection history.
Risk Level Determination: Process 1 Foods-No Cook/Kill Step. No Consumer Advisory.
Snack bars, sandwich shops that do not cook, convenience stores with limited food
prep that do not cook raw animal foods and pizza shops (with pre-cooked
ingredients)without buffets and salad bars.
Retail stores with multiple unpackaged items with limited food preparation.
6.5.5. Risk Level 3 (Medium) Routine inspections every 36 months, may be adjusted to every 24
or 18 months based on inspection history).
Risk Level Determination: Process 2 Foods- "Same Day Service" (cook and serve)
Limited Process 3 Foods "Complex Food Preparation" (A small amount of Process 3
foods, limited to sauces and daily specials, would be allowed in a Risk Level 3
establishment.)
Types of establishments this may include, depending on the menu, are fast food,
quick service operations, and pizza shops with salad bars and buffets
Retail stores with multiple unpackaged items and food preparation
Highly Susceptible Population Service Site (no less frequent than every 24 months)
Seasonal Concession Stands (no less frequent than every 24 months)
School Service Sites only(no less frequent than every 24 months)
Page 4 of 7
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Attachment 1 Risk Assessment
lowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
Food and Consumer Safety Bureau
Title: Risk Assessment and Inspection Frequency Procedure
Effective Date: 10/OS/2022 Pages:7
6.5.6. Risk Level 4(High) Routine inspections every 12 months, may be adjusted to every6
months based on history.
Risk level Determination: Multiple Process 3 Foods "Complex Food Preparation"
Types of facilities: buffet restaurants, production cafeterias,food establishments
that cook, cool, and reheat
Operations that regularly provide catering services
School Production Kitchens
Highly Susceptible Populations production kitchens
Facilities selling Shell stock(live oysters, clams, or muscles) at retail
Process 1 Foods with a Consumer Advisory i.e. sushi,oysters
Mobile food units(Class 3 or Class 4 Units)
6.5.7. Risk Level 5 (Very High) Routine inspections every 6 months, may be adjusted to every
4 months based on inspection history.
Risk Level Determination: Facilities with an issued special process variance per Code 3-
502.11, and facilities with a Food Code required HACCP Plan per 8-201.13
7. RELATED DOCUMENTS
7.1. Attachment: Risk Assessment by Retail Chain
7.2. Attachment: Service Site vs Production Site
8. SAFETY
The DIA Food and Consumer Safety Bureau will apply their qualification and training to be alert and
safe while conducting field assignments. If anytime during an inspection the field inspector
determines they are in a dangerous or unsafe situation the inspection shall cease and the inspector
will immediately remove themselves from the facility. Once the inspector is off the premises of the
facility they will immediately contact their Regional Inspection Supervisor or Designee.
9. CIRCULATION
This policy will be distributed to the following individuals: Bureau Chief, Assistant Bureau Chief,
Regional Inspection Supervisors, Retail Foods Program Lead, and Field Inspectors.A standing copy of
this policy will be placed in Food SHIELD and email read receipt of this document by all users will be
confirmed by records maintained in the DIA Food and Consumer Safety Bureau Office.
10.
Document Histary
Version# Pre ious Version #/ate Change History
V.2.1 V_2 8_26.2 22 Update to section 63.
Update to se tion 6.5.3 added No CFf M required
Approved By: Date
Q
Page 5 of 7
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Attachment 1 Risk Assessment
lowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
Food and Consumer Safety Bureau
Title: Risk Assessment and Inspection Frequency Procedure
Effective Date: 10/OS/2022 Pages:7
Attachment: Risk Assessment by Retail Chain
Risk Assessment by Retail Chain
Risk 1 (Very Low)Risk 2 (Low)Risk 3 (Medium)Risk 4(High) Risk 5 (Very High)
Grocery or other Grocery or other Grocery store that Grocery Store that Any facility with a
store with store with a meat cooks and holds for batch cooks for HACCP Plan or a
commercially counter(cutting same day service in grocery display Variance for a
prepackaged food meat)or deli their deli or cases or Special Process
only slicing meat or foodservice area. foodservice
cheese) through the week
Aldi Caribou Coffee A&W Cracker Barrel ACE Sushi
Dollar General Casey's General Arby's Hy-Vee(FS) Fujisan Sushi
Store(FE and FS)
Dollar Tree Cinnabon Buffalo Wild Wings Jethro's BBQ Hy-Vee Sushi(FS)
Family Dollar Cold Stone Burger King Kwik Star/Kwik Trip
Creamery FS with chicken)
Menards Costco(FE) Chick Fil-A Machine Shed
Walgreens Dairy Queen(no Chipotle Outback
cooking) Steakhouse
Domino's Culver's Panchero's
Mexican Grill
Dunkin Donuts Dairy Queen(with Perkins
cooking)
Fareway(FE) Fareway(FS) Red Lobster
Firehouse Subs Fazoli's Texas Road House
Hy-Vee(FE) KFC Village Inn
Jimmy Johns McDonalds
Kum&Go(FE and Noodles and
FS) Company
Kwik Star/Kwik Trip Panda Express
FE)(FS without
chicken)
Papa Murphy's Panera
Quick Trip(FE and Papa Johns
FS)
Scooters Coffee Pizza Hut
Smoothie King Pizza Ranch
Starbucks Coffee Sonic
Subway Taco Johns
Tropical Sno Taco Bell
Which Which Target(FS)
Wendy's
Page 6 of 7
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Attachment 1 Risk Assessment
lowa Department of Inspections and Appeals
Food and Consumer Safety Bureau
Title: Risk Assessment and Inspection Frequency Procedure
Effective Date: 10/OS/2022 Pages:7
Attachment: Service Site vs Production Site
Service Site or Production Site
Schools and Nutrition Programs)
Cooking food Production Site Only
Hot Holding food prior to and during service Service Site or Production Site
Reheating food, except for the occasional reheating of
foods delivered from the main kitchen as a method of Production Site Only
temperature correction or maintenance
Washing whole fruit Service Site or Production Site
Cutting/Portioning fresh fruit Service Site or Production Site
Preparing Baked Goods Production Site Only
Slicing rolls or buns for sandwiches Service Site or Production Site
Slicing meats or cheeses Production Site Only
Preparing sandwiches Production Site Only
Opening/Portioning canned fruit Service Site or Production Site
Mechanical or manual warewashing/sanitizing eating
Production Site Only
utensils, serving trays, and pots and pans
Mechanical or manual warewashing of serving utensils,
knives, condiment dispensers, and other limited items Service Site or Production Site
provided adequate warewashing facilities are available
Scraping dishes-No warewashing Service Site or Production Site
Storing bulk dry food
More information required:Volume and
distribution is a factor
More information required:Volume and
Storing refrigerated or frozen food other than milk
distribution is a factor
Page 7 of 7
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Attachment 2 Conflict of Interest
Conflict of Interest Statement
Food Safety Bureau
Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing
In order to prevent conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest, employees of
the Bureau and local health agencies providing food inspection and licensing services under
contract with the Department must disclose potential conflicts of interests and secondary
employment. If an employee has a potential conflict, the employee and either the Bureau
supervisor or local health agency should propose to the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and
Licensing a Conflict Remediation Plan. Furthermore, the Bureau and local health agencies shall
require all employees to disclose secondary employment. If the secondary employment involves
providing goods,products, services, or labor of any kind to establishments licensed and
inspected by the Bureau or Local Health Agency, the Conflict of Interest Statement and a
Conflict Remediation Plan shall be submitted to the Department. The Department may approve,
reject, or propose amendments to a Conflict Remediation Plan.
Please list any food establishments, food processing plants, home food processing
establishments or hotels/motels where you have worked as an employee, consultant, officer,
or any other manner in the last two years. Please list the name of the establishment and the
city.
Please list any food establishments, food processing plants, home food processing
establishments or hotels/motels operations where you have a financial or ownership
interest. Please list the name of the establishment/processor and the city.
Attachment 2 Conflict of Interest
Do you currently have any secondary employment? If so, please list and describe the
secondary employment? If so, does the secondary employment involve providing good,
products, services, or labor of any kind to food establishment, food processing plant, home
food processing establishment or hotels/motels, please describe.
Please list any immediate family member(s), who may fit any of the following criteria.
Immediate family members includes a husband or wife; natural or adoptive parent, child, or
sibling; stepparent, stepchild, or stepsibling;father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-
in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law; or grandparent or grandchild.
1. Do you have immediate family members(s) who are currently or within the last two years
have been employed by a food establishment, food processing plant,home food
processing establishment or hotel/motel?
Yes No
If yes, who and where
2. Do you have any immediate family member(s) who have financial interest or ownership
interest in a food establishment, food processing plant, home food processing
establishment, or hotel/motel?
Yes No
If yes, who and where
Employee:
Signature:
Date:
Attachment 3 Complaint Response
lowa Department of Inspections,Appeals and Licensing
Food Safety Bureau
Title: Complaint Response SOP
Effective Date: 4/17/2024 Pages: 9
Table of Contents
1. Purpose
2. Scope
3. Background
4. Responsibility
5. Definitions
6. Procedures
7. Related Documents
8. Equipment/Materials Needed
9. Safety
10. Circulation
11. Approval
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this procedure is to describe the different types of consumer complaints received by
the lowa Department of Inspections,Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) Food Safety Bureau, and the
assignment, response, documentation, and closure of complaints.
2. SCOPE
This procedure will apply to all retail food establishments, mobile food units, home food processing
establishments, manufactured food firms,food storage warehouses, unattended food
establishments,temporary events,farmers markets,vending machines, hotels, and unlicensed or
licensed non-profit and for-profit organizations.
3. BACKGROUND
The lowa Rapid Response Team (RRT) Coordinator or designee will apply the requirements of this
procedure to all complaints received by the department. DIAL Food Safety Bureau staff will respond
to complaints as assigned.
4. RESPONSIBILITY
Bureau Chief—The Bureau Chief or designee will review all policies and procedures that apply to
DIAL administrative and general bureau functions and issue final approval of those policies and
procedures.
Assistant Bureau Chief-The Assistant Bureau Chief is responsible for the overall administration of
the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards,the Voluntary National Retail Food
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Attachment 3 Complaint Response
lowa Department of Inspections,Appeals and Licensing
Food Safety Bureau
Title: Complaint Response SOP
Effective Date: 4/17/2024 Pages: 9
Regulatory Program Standards, and the lowa Food Emergency Rapid Response Team programs, and
will review and revise policies and procedures.They will serve as the designee for the Bureau Chief.
Rapid Response Team Coordinator—The Rapid Response Team (RRT) Coordinator or designee will
oversee field assignments in regards to complaints and provide training and leadership to all Field
Inspectors or other personnel for compliance with this procedure.The RRT Coordinator or designee
will also serve as the assessor or reviewer for this procedure for the Manufactured Food Regulatory
Program Standards (MFRPS) and the Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards
VNRFRPS).
Regional Inspection Supervisors—The Regional Inspection Supervisors or designee will supervise
retail and manufactured food Field Inspectors and provide training and leadership to all field
inspection staff for compliance with this procedure.
Manufactured Food Program Lead—The Manufactured Food Program Lead will serve as the
technical expert for manufactured food inspections and will ensure all manufactured food Field
Inspectors comply with this procedure.They will assist in the review of this procedure for the
Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards (MFRPS).
Retail Food Program Lead—The Retail Food Program Lead will serve as the technical expert for
retail food inspections and will ensure all retail Field Inspectors comply with this procedure.They
will assist in the review of this procedure for the Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program
Standards (VNRFRPS).
Home Food Processing Establishment Lead -The Home Food Processing Establishment (HFPE) Lead
will serve as the technical expert for home food processing establishment licensing and inspections
and will ensure all Field Inspectors comply with this procedure.They will assist in the review of this
procedure for both MFRPS and VNRFRPS.
Grant Coordinator-The Grant Coordinator will develop and update the procedure under the
advisement of the Bureau Chief,Assistant Bureau Chief, Regional Inspection Supervisors,
Manufactured Food Program Lead, Retail Food Program Lead, and/or RRT Coordinator.They will
assist with training inspectors to follow and comply with this procedure.
Field Inspectors- Field Inspectors will demonstrate knowledge,good conduct and professionalism at
work.They will comply with this procedure when performing Department and/or regulatory duties,
follow the procedures described as applicable to their position and notify their supervisor when the
procedures cannot be followed.
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Attachment 3 Complaint Response
lowa Department of Inspections,Appeals and Licensing
Food Safety Bureau
Title: Complaint Response SOP
Effective Date: 4/17/2024 Pages: 9
5. DEFINITIONS
Business Day—an official day of the week between and including Monday through Friday during
which business is conducted, not including state holidays and weekends.
Consumer Complaints—complaints made by the public regarding human food products or
ingredients, facility, practices, labeling, hotel sanitation and other related activities.
Cottage Food—means the same as defined in lowa Code chapter 137F.1
Cottage food is exempt from all licensing, permitting, inspection, packaging, and labeling laws of the
state if the food complies with cottage food requirements provided in lowa Code Chapter 137F.
Non-illness Complaints received will not be investigated, however, Illness Complaints may be
investigated.
Response—a reaction or reply conducted by the RRT Coordinator, Regional Inspection Supervisors,
Manufactured Food Program Lead, Retail Food Program Lead, Field Inspectors, or designee(s) as the
result of a complaint or reported food-related incident.The response depends on the nature and
severity of the complaint and includes, but is not limited to: an evaluation of the complaint, replies
by telephone or email, on-site inspections, or environmental assessments.
6. PROCEDURES
6.1. Classification of Complaints:The following are the different categories of complaints that may
be received by phone,fax, email,walk-in, or letter. As a part of the initial response,the RRT
Coordinator or designee will evaluate complaints on the day they are received to determine the
appropriate response and enter the complaint into the current inspection database for
tracking. Further response is detailed in the following sections.
6.1.1. Food-related Illness Outbreaks
6.1.2. Food-related Illness/Injury Complaints
6.1.2.1. Illness Cottage Food
6.1.3. Emergency/Imminent Health Hazards
6.1.3.1. Power outage
6.1.3.2. Loss of water supply
6.1.3.3. Sewage backup
6.1.3.4. Fire
6.1.3.5. Flood
6.1.3.6. Boil advisory/order
6.1.3.7. Chemical/Hazardous Waste Incidents
6.1.3.8. Other circumstances that may endanger public health or which render a food
establishment,food processing plant, or food storage warehouse inoperable
6.1.4. Intentional Contamination and/or Terrorism
6.1.4.1. Food Tampering
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Attachment 3 Complaint Response
lowa Department of Inspections,Appeals and Licensing
Food Safety Bureau
Title: Complaint Response SOP
Effective Date: 4/17/2024 Pages: 9
6.1.4.2. Intentional Adulteration
6.1.4.3. Other Hazard Claims
6.1.5. Non-illness Complaints
6.1.5.1. Contaminated Equipment/Cross Contamination
6.1.5.2. Food from Unsafe Sources/Adulterated Food
6.1.5.3. Inadequate Cooking
6.1.5.4. Improper Holding Temperatures
6.1.5.5. Poor Personal Hygiene
6.1.5.6. Pest Control
6.1.5.7. Bed Bugs
6.1.5.8. Misbranding/Mislabeling
6.1.5.9. General Facility Sanitation
6.1.5.10. Unlicensed Facility
6.1.5.11. Hotels (excluding bedbug complaints)
6.1.5.12. Unspecified
6.1.5.13. Smoking
6.1.5.14. Other State and Federal Agency Complaints
6.2. Response Assignments
6.2.1. Response and completion times are based on the type and classification of complaints
received. Complaints with similar response and completion times have been grouped
together. A complaint follow-up inspection may be scheduled to the facility's assigned
Field Inspector, Regional Supervisor, or RRT Coordinator or designee based on the type of
complaint and determined time frame, the severity and credibility of the complaint,the
establishment's inspection and enforcement history, and the establishment's complaint
history.
6.2.1.1. If the Field Inspector assigned to the geographical area is unable to respond
onsite to the complaint within the assigned time frame,the Field Inspector will
contact their Regional Inspection Supervisor or designee prior to the due date.The
Regional Inspection Supervisor or designee will reassign the response to be
completed by other available inspection staff within the original assigned time
frame.
6.2.1.2. The timeframe for response may only be extended with approval of the RRT
Coordinator, Bureau Chief, Assistant Bureau Chief, or designee.
6.2.1.2.1. If approval is granted,the person granting approval will enter a note on
the complaint maintenance page prior to the response due date.
6.3. Completing Routine Inspections During a Complaint Response
6.3.1. When an illness or a non-illness complaint inspection is assigned, a routine inspection may
be scheduled to be completed in conjunction with the complaint investigation by the RRT
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Attachment 3 Complaint Response
lowa Department of Inspections,Appeals and Licensing
Food Safety Bureau
Title: Complaint Response SOP
Effective Date: 4/17/2024 Pages: 9
Coordinator, Regional Supervisor, or designee based on the criteria listed in the Complaint
Intake Work Instructions.
6.3.1.1. If a Routine Inspection is assigned for an illness or non-illness complaint, but the
routine inspection is unable to be completed,the RRT Coordinator or designee will
enter an internal note explaining the circumstances regarding the change in
inspection reason.
6.4. Time Frame for Response
6.4.1.The RRT Coordinator or designee will assign complaint response due dates based on the
complaint category and timeframes established in this procedure.
6.4.1.1. Complaint responses must be completed by the established due date.
6.4.1.2. Complaint responses require an onsite inspection unless otherwise indicated by
the RRT Coordinator or designee.
6.4.1.3. Response times may be altered upon approval of the Bureau Chief or designee
with consideration of the severity of the complaint, contents of the complaint, status
of an outbreak investigation, available bureau resources and competing bureau
priorities.
6.4.2. Food-related Illness Outbreaks: One Business Day. The RRT Coordinator or designee will
review all food-related illness outbreaks within one Business Day of receiving each
complaint.
6.4.2.1. After initial evaluation of the complaint, the RRT Coordinator or designee will
assign the complaint to the appropriate Field Inspector for response to be completed
within one business day.
6.4.2.2. The Field Inspector or designee responding to the food-related illness outbreak
will be completing the outbreak investigation in cooperation with the Environmental
Assessment team.
6.4.2.3. Food-related illness outbreak complaints received outside normal business
hours will be reviewed and evaluated by the RRT Coordinator or designee before the
end of the next business day.
6.4.3. Food-related illness, Food-related injury complaints: One to Seven Business Days
6.4.3.1. Initial Response:the RRT Coordinator or designee will review all food-related
illness complaints and food-related injury complaints within one Business Day of
receiving each complaint. After initial evaluation of the complaint, the RRT
Coordinator or designee will assign the response time based on the Complaint
Response Work Instructions.
6.4.3.2. Cottage Food Illness Complaints: Within One Business Day. Illness complaints
will be sent by the RRT Coordinator or designee to lowa Department of Health and
Human Services (IHHS), within one Business Day.
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Attachment 3 Complaint Response
lowa Department of Inspections,Appeals and Licensing
Food Safety Bureau
Title: Complaint Response SOP
Effective Date: 4/17/2024 Pages: 9
6.4.4. Emergency/Imminent Health Hazard Complaints: One Business Day. All
emergency/imminent health hazard complaints, including those resulting from natural
disasters, (listed in 6.1.3) will require a response within one Business Day of receipt.
6.4.4.1. A Non-Illness complaint inspection is scheduled when it is determined that one
licensed facility is impacted.
6.4.4.2. An Emergency Response inspection is scheduled when it is determined that
more than one licensed facility is impacted.
6.4.4.2.1.An Emergency Response-Phone response may be scheduled when the
scope of the health hazard is unknown, when the scope of the health hazard is
widespread, when an on-site response is unlikely to provide additional value, or
when personal safety concerns are heightened.
6.4.5. Intentional Contamination and/or Terrorism: One Business Day. The assigned Field
Inspector will be contacted via phone,text, and/or email to alert them of the situation.
6.4.5.1. The RRT Coordinator or designee will immediately notify the appropriate law
enforcement agency if intentional contamination and/or terrorism is suspected.
6.4.6. Non-Illness Complaints: Including Contaminated Equipment/Cross Contamination
including undeclared allergens at manufacturing facilities), Food from Unsafe
Sources/Adulterated Food (including foreign materials), Inadequate Cooking, Improper
Holding Temperatures, Poor Personal Hygiene: Within 30 Calendar Days
6.4.7. Bed bugs and Pest Control: Within 15 Calendar Days
6.4.8. Misbranding/Mislabeling(that does not include an allergen):Within 30 Calendar Days
6.4.9. General Facility Sanitation: General facility sanitation complaints will be investigated no
later than the next scheduled routine inspection for that facility. One or more of the
following conditions may accelerate the complaint response timeframe:
6.4.9.1. Information received from the complainant
6.4.9.2. Establishment's risk level
6.4.9.3. Establishment's inspection and compliance history
6.4.9.4. Establishment's complaint history
6.4.9.5. The date of the last routine inspection
6.4.10. Unlicensed Facility: Within 30 Calendar Days. If the facility cannot be located within 30
Calendar Days, additional response time may be approved in advance by the RRT
Coordinator, Bureau Chief, Assistant Bureau Chief, or designee.Any changes will be
documented as an internal note on the complaint maintenance page.
6.4.11. Hotels(other than bedbug complaints):within 90 calendar days
Page 6 of 9
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Attachment 3 Complaint Response
lowa Department of Inspections,Appeals and Licensing
Food Safety Bureau
Title: Complaint Response SOP
Effective Date: 4/17/2024 Pages: 9
6.4.12. Unspecified: Response time for complaints that do not fit into one of the above
categories, but warrant further investigation, will be determined based on the nature of
the complaint.
6.4.13. Other State and Federal Agency Complaints: One Business Day
6.4.13.1. Complaints received by this Department for products or establishments that are
regulated by other state or federal agencies are referred to the appropriate agency.
6.5. Investigation Documentation
6.5.1. Field Inspectors or designee will implement appropriate documentation procedures in
accordance with the applicable Retail or Manufactured Foods Standards SOPs. Examples
include the Retail Field Inspection SOP, Field Inspection SOP and Work Instructions
MFRPSJ, Inspection Report Writing Training and Work Instructions and the Inspection
Report Writing SOP and Work Instructions—MFRPS.
6.6. Monitoring/Closing Complaints
6.6.1. Except for foodborne illness outbreak complaints, it is the responsibility of the Field
Inspector or designee to change the status of the complaint from "pending"to the
appropriate status upon completion of follow-up.
6.6.1.1. For foodborne illness outbreak complaints,the complaint status will be updated
by the RRT Coordinator or designee upon completion of the investigation.
6.6.2. Changing the status from "pending" to the appropriate status closes the consumer
complaint.
6.6.2.1. Completed Complaint Statuses
6.6.2.1.1.Verified: A complaint is "verified" when the Field Inspector observes
the complaint actively occurring, when the person-in-charge states the
complaint happened, or when there is physical or scientific documentation
and/or evidence that the complaint happened.
6.6.2.1.2. Unverified: A complaint is "unverified"when the complaint situation is
not present at the time of inspection, but based on observations or discussions
with the person-in-charge there is a possibility that the objectionable
conditions or practices may have happened.
6.6.2.1.3. Unfounded:A designation of"unfounded" should only be used when
the complaint could not have happened or conditions are not possible as
described, or the Field Inspector is provided information that the complaint is
false.
6.6.2.1.4. Investigation ongoing:The complaint status will remain pending during
a foodborne illness outbreak until the investigation is completed.
Page 7 of 9
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FoodSHIELD lowa Food and Consumer Safety Regulators and DIAL MFRPS Official SOPs workgroups for
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Attachment 3 Complaint Response
lowa Department of Inspections,Appeals and Licensing
Food Safety Bureau
Title: Complaint Response SOP
Effective Date: 4/17/2024 Pages: 9
6.7. Complaint Backup Coverage
6.7.1. A backup coordinator will be available at all times for emergency, imminent health
hazards,food-related illness outbreaks,food-related illness and/or food-related injury
complaints.
6.7.2. If the RRT Coordinator is unavailable for more than one Business Day, all complaints will
be monitored by a backup coordinator.
6.8. Response Requested. Complainants who request follow-up about their complaint will receive
one of the following responses:
6.8.1. For all verified non-illness complaints, the complainant will be referred to the
department's current public search inspection website or receive a phone call from the
RRT Coordinator or designee, or a copy of the inspection report by email or mail.
6.8.2. For all illness/injury complaints or other complaints,the RRT Coordinator or designee will
either call the complainant back after the inspection has been completed or email or mail
a copy of the completed inspection report.
6.9. Anonymity of Complaint
6.9.1. See 481 lowa Administrative Code Chapter 30 for information on the request by a
complainant to remain anonymous.
6.9.2.The name or any identifying information of a person who files a complaint with the
department is not shared with the establishment under investigation.The Field Inspector
or designee will only share information regarding the complaint in a general manner, and
will consult the RRT Coordinator or designee for assistance, if needed.
7. RELATED DOCUMENTS
7.1. 481 lowa Administrative Code Chapter 30
7.2. DIAL Pre-Opening Inspection Work Instructions
7.3. Inspection Report Writing SOP and Work Instructions (MFRPS)
7.4. Inspection Report Writing Work Instructions-Retail
7.5. lowa DIA Retail Field Inspection SOP
7.6. Field Inspection SOP and Work Instructions (MFRPS)
7.7. HFPE Inspection Checklist
7.8. HFPE Pre-Open and Routine Inspection Work Instructions
7.9. Complaint Intake Work Instructions
7.10. Non-Illness Complaint.Commercial Location
7.11. Non-Illness Complaint.Residential Location
7.12. Unlicensed Facility Complaint.Residential Location
7.13. Illness Complaint.Commercial Location
7.14. Illness Complaint.Residential Location
7.15. Outbreak Investigations: Identifying Team Members and Roles
7.16. Environmental Assessment Process Overview
Page 8 of 9
Disclaimer:A printed hardcopy or download of this document is uncontrolled. Please refer back to the
FoodSHIELD lowa Food and Consumer Safety Regulators and DIAL MFRPS Official SOPs workgroups for
current and fit-for-use version.
Attachment 3 Complaint Response
lowa Department of Inspections,Appeals and Licensing
Food Safety Bureau
Title: Complaint Response SOP
Effective Date: 4/17/2024 Pages: 9
8. EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS NEEDED
8.1. Access to the online complaint database
9. SAFETY
The DIAL Food Safety Bureau shall apply their qualifications and training to be alert and safe while
conducting field assignments. If anytime during an inspection the Field Inspector determines they
are in a dangerous or unsafe situation the inspection shall cease and the Field Inspector shall
immediately remove themselves from the facility. Once the Field Inspector is off the premises of the
facility they shall immediately contact their Regional Inspection Supervisor or Designee.
10. CIRCULATION
This procedure will be distributed to the following individuals: Bureau Chief, Assistant Bureau Chief,
RRT Coordinator, Regional Inspection Supervisors, Manufactured Food Program Lead, Retail Food
Program Lead, Home Food Processing Establishment Lead, Grant Coordinator, and Field Inspectors.
A standing copy of this policy will be placed in FoodSHIELD and email read receipt of this document
by all users will be confirmed by records maintained in the Department of Inspections,Appeals and
Licensing, Food Safety Bureau Office.
11. APPROVAL
Document History
Version#f Previous Version N/ale Ghange Histary .
5.4 6.3 lanuary 2,2023 Update agency names,rernave Consumable hiemp,
add HFPE changes
Approved 8y: Qate
Page 9 of 9
Disclaimer:A printed hardcopy or download of this document is uncontrolled. Please refer back to the
FoodSHIELD lowa Food and Consumer Safety Regulators and DIAL MFRPS Official SOPs workgroups for
current and fit-for-use version.