Food, Water, and Housing

Who inspects University restaurants and housing facilities?

Inspections are performed by the Environmental Hygiene Officer (EHO). This position is also referred to interchangeably as health inspector, sanitarian, or environmental health specialist. The EHO routinely inspects food courts, convenience stores, Fairview Hospital food service, and Student Unions and Activities run food facilities (e.g. Goldy's Gameroom). Housing facility inspections are conducted by the EHO on a complaint received basis.

What do I do if I think I got sick from eating at a campus food facility?

If your symptoms are severe you should immediately contact your healthcare provider. In addition, regardless of the severity of your symptoms, contact the Building Codes Department (BCD) at [email protected] or (612) 625-3318 and ask to speak to the EHO regarding a possible foodborne illness. The EHO will ask for basic information, and may refer you to the Minnesota Department (MDH) of Health Foodborne Illness Hotline at 1-877-FOOD-ILL (1-877-366-3455)

What do I have to do to host an event where food is offered to the public?

First, read the Food Safety Requirements for Food Sampling and Give-Away Events and Requirements for Outdoor Dispensing of Foods Under a University Food Permit, then fill out a special event food permit (pdf) application. For outdoor food events please first contact Outdoor Space. When submitting a food event permit that does not involve outdoor space you can submit your application directly to BCD at least FIVE days prior to your planned event date. The entire permit must be filled out; missing information will result in your permit being denied. Failure to obtain a permit WILL result in the closure of your event and removal of the food from the event site. Contact BCD if you have problems filling out the permit; BCD will work with the applicant to facilitate the event being permitted.

Where can I find the University Special Event Food Permit application?

A link to the  food permit can be found on the BCD webpage.

Do I always need a permit to sell or give away food on the University campus?

Typically yes, but there are some occasions when a food permit is not required:

• The food items are nonperishable and obtained from a licensed commercial source (candy, bottled water, prepackaged beverages not requiring refrigeration, coffee, tea, chips, cake, cookies, buns, brownies, packaged ice cream, etc.)
• The number of attendees is 25 or less
• All food is provided by University Dining Service (UDS)
• The event is closed to the public and the general University community does not have access or is not invited. Contact the EHO at 612-625-6152 for more information.

How do I determine if my event is open to the public?

An "open event" is any event or function held on University property, where any member of the general University community can obtain food without being specially invited or being a member of the group sponsoring the event. However, we strongly recommend that you contact EHO directly at 612-625-6152 for help determining if your event is an "open event."

From what sources can I obtain foods for a public event at the university?

By policy, for the protection of students, staff, and the public attending a meeting, conference, or any event at which food will be served on University of Minnesota property, food and food ingredients must be sourced from a licensed commercial food service/provider. Except for foods specifically meeting all requirements and restrictions specified for Bake Sales (pdf) or Potluck Events (pdf), no home-prepared foods are allowed at a permitted event.

What are the rules for a Bake Sale?

See BCD Bake Sale Requirements (pdf) or contact BCD for the requirements for holding a bake sale on University property.

What should I do if I have a complaint about a University swimming pool?

Contact BCD at [email protected]/612-625-3318 and ask to speak to the EHO. They will respond to complaints about cleanliness, water contamination, and general maintenance conditions at University swimming pools. Working cooperatively with the University’s Certified Pool Operators, we ensure the water and grounds are maintained in a safe condition.

Are swimming pools inspected by the EHO?

The EHO inspects University swimming pools, spas, and therapy pools to ensure that all MN Pool Code safety standards for disinfection, operation and maintenance are being met. University pool operators are required to submit monthly reports to the EHO that record disinfection levels, operation and maintenance information for days that a given pool is open for use.

What do I do if I have a concern about my University Housing unit?

Contact Residential Life at 612-624-2994 or BCD at [email protected]/612-625-3318 for issues regarding housing sanitation. BCD works cooperatively with the Office of Residential Life and Facilities Maintenance to address complaints regarding housing safety and sanitation.