Sioux Falls Health Department Releases Inspection Update and Expectations for Summer Food Safety

In Sioux Falls, the Health Department has released an update on its food inspection numbers and shared its expectations for the summer. Dominic Miller, the environmental health manager, emphasized the department’s approach to inspections, which focuses on helping businesses succeed rather than looking for violations. He explained that inspectors aim to ensure that restaurants and food trucks serve safe food so that customers will continue to return.

There are nearly 800 licensed food establishments in Sioux Falls, and last year, the health department conducted 1,799 inspections. Miller highlighted that restaurant inspections only make up 40% of inspectors’ responsibilities. They also handle code enforcement, regulate in-home daycares, assist with noise ordinance enforcement, and inspect tattoo and lodging establishments. Each food establishment is inspected at least twice a year.

Food trucks in Sioux Falls are required to have a South Dakota Mobile Food Service license issued by the SD Department of Health in order to vend across the state. To operate within Sioux Falls, vendors must also obtain a mobile vending license. Last year, there were over 50 trucks on the approved list from the police department. Around 35 to 40 food truck events are expected to occur in the city this summer. Consumers can find food scores on the siouxfalls.gov website.