Sioux Falls Health Department Focuses on Helping Food Businesses Thrive Through Inspections and Enforcement

The Sioux Falls Health Department recently shared an update on their food inspection numbers and their expectations for the summer. During the year 2023, the department conducted a total of 1,799 inspections across the city. Dominic Miller, the environmental health manager, emphasized that their approach to inspections is focused on helping businesses succeed rather than looking for violations. Inspectors work hard 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, with restaurant inspections making up only 40% of inspectors’ responsibilities. The health department also handles code enforcement, regulates in-home daycares, assists with noise ordinance enforcement, and inspects tattoo and lodging establishments. Each food establishment is inspected at least twice a year.

Mobile 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. In addition to this license, vendors must also obtain a mobile vending license from the police department if they want to operate within Sioux Falls. 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.