Food safety is essential to maintaining the health and well-being of our community. The Andrew County Health Department is dedicated to ensuring that residents can dine out, shop for groceries, and prepare meals with confidence. Through food inspections, education, and preventive measures, our team works to reduce the risk of foodborne illness and promote safe food practices throughout Andrew County.  The Role of Food Inspections in Public Safety Our environmental health specialists conduct regular inspections of local restaurants, grocery stores, schools, and other food service establishments. These inspections are designed to: Identify and correct food safety violations. Ensure proper food storage, handling, and preparation practices are followed. Verify that kitchen staff follow hygiene protocols, such as handwashing and glove use. By routinely monitoring these establishments, the Andrew County Health Department helps protect the public from risks like cross-contamination, improper food temperatures, and unsafe storage practices. Our team also provides guidance and resources to help businesses maintain compliance with health standards. Tips for Safe Food Handling at Home While our department works to ensure food safety in public establishments, residents also play a vital role in preventing foodborne illness at home. Follow these essential tips for safe food handling: Clean: Wash your hands, cooking surfaces, and utensils thoroughly before and after handling food. Always rinse fruits and vegetables under running water. Separate: Keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination. Cook: Use a food thermometer to ensure foods are cooked to safe temperatures: Poultry: 165°F Ground meat: 160°F Fish: 145°F Chill: Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours to prevent bacteria growth. Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F. Avoid Risky Foods: Be cautious when consuming raw or undercooked eggs, meat, or seafood. These foods are more prone to carrying harmful bacteria. Supporting Local Businesses with Food Safety Training The Andrew County Health Department also offers food safety training for food service workers and managers. This training equips staff with the knowledge and skills to maintain safe food practices, ensuring residents can trust the food they eat in local establishments. Stay Informed and Protected By combining proactive food inspections, community education, and safe food handling practices, the Andrew County Health Department is committed to protecting the health of our residents. For more information on food safety guidelines, inspection reports, or upcoming training sessions, visit Andrew County Health Department or contact our office directly. Together, we can keep Andrew County's plates safe and healthy for everyone.

The 2024-2029 Andrew County Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is designed to address key health priorities by working with community stakeholders over the next five years. The CHIP draws on the results of the Andrew County Health Department’s (ACHD’s) Community Health Assessment (CHA) and other data gathered through an integrative process. Three priority areas of focus have been established, along with specific strategies for how these issues will be addressed, all supporting the overall focus for Andrew County to be a healthier place to live, learn, work, and play. Download the full report here.