Food Safety and Licensing

What we do

Our team of inspectors works with local restaurants and retail markets in Mesa County to ensure food safety. We offer education and answer questions for local food establishments. It’s our goal to be a community resource for our partners.

Resources for your business

Steps to obtain a license

Allow two weeks for plan review.

The plan review application includes instructions for what must be included for review. Missing information will delay the plan review process.

Mesa County Public Health will notify you within two (2) weeks of receiving your application packet to inform you if your plans were approved or if more information or changes are needed.

If your plans are approved, your next step to getting your license is to schedule a pre-operational or opening inspection 3-5 business days before the planned opening date.
If your plans are not approved you will need to submit revised plans. Review of revised plans may take up to 14 additional business days.
Approval of plans does not constitute acceptance of the completed structure. It also does not waive the responsibility of the owner or contractor to make necessary changes that may be required if the facility is not in compliance with the applicable requirements.

Letter of Approval

Construction of the facility may not begin until your plans have been approved by Mesa County Public Health and any other county or city permits have been obtained.

The letter will include any requirements and stipulations required prior to beginning construction work; be sure to notify others involved in the project, especially the construction manager, of these requirements and stipulations.

All required permits must be obtained before Mesa County Public Health can issue a retail food establishment license.

Planning, Zoning, Building, Fire, and Wastewater must be contacted too to best determine their involvement in your planning and business processes. If you are applying for a liquor license, please contact the local liquor licensing agency.

City of Grand Junction government
Fruita City government
DeBeque Town government
Town of Palisade government
Town of Collbran government
For unincorporated areas of the county including Clifton, Gateway, Loma, Mack and Mesa contact Mesa County government.

Food safety training

The specific class or course you need depends on your role within a retail food establishment.

Manager or owner

The Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is the best training to take. It is a requirement in Colorado that the person in charge at all times has this certification. Several organizations offer this class and exam:

CSU Extension offers the ServSafe Manager program.
State Food Safety offers virtual manager and food handler classes.
Manager certifications can be obtained from any of the following accredited Certified Food Program Manager programs.

All employees

A food safety basics or food handler course is strongly encouraged, but not required in Colorado.

Mesa County Public Health teaches Food Safety Basics classes throughout the year. Look for information on our website about upcoming opportunities.
Food handler classes are offered through ServSafe and State Food Safety.
The CSU Extension offers a Food Safety Works class.

Cottage food producers in Colorado

The Colorado Cottage Foods Act requires producers to take some formal food safety training.

Cottage food producers can take an online food handler class, attend a food safety basics class at Mesa County Public Health, or take the specific class only for cottage food producers.
Find more information on the FoodSmart Colorado website.

Special Events with food

Event Coordinators

Special events coordinators guide

Special events coordinators guide (Spanish)

If coordinating events involving food in Mesa County:

Submit a Coordinator Plan Review 30 days prior to event.
Provide Vendor Information List at least two weeks prior to event.
Provide entry and parking passes the week of the event for inspectors.

Food Vendors

Food vendors for Mesa County events guide

Food vendors for Mesa County events guide (Spanish)

All vendors must submit a completed vendor application to Mesa County Public Health each year.
Please allow two weeks for processing. Once you are approved you will receive a one-page Mesa County Approval letter which you will provide to each event coordinator.

All food vendors providing food or beverage at events in Mesa County must be approved by Mesa County Public Health. Please use the above process to ensure your event will be providing food from approved vendors.

If you intend to be a food vendor at events coordinated by Mesa County Fairgrounds, the City of Grand Junction, City of Fruita, Fruita Chamber of Commerce, or the Town of Palisade, please see additional vendor application details.

Approved Temporary Event Vendors

View approved Event Vendors for the current year.