Pulaski County Health Center - Environmental Health Program

03/13/2026

Missouri Cottage Law, under the Revised Statute of Missouri (RSMo) 196.298, allows for the preparation and selling of certain non-potentially hazardous foods from private homes. These items must be sold by the individual preparing the items or someone in the same household that has extensive knowledge of the product. The product must be sold directly to the end consumer by the individual or family member. Items sold for retail by a third party is considered wholesale and are not exempt under the Missouri Cottage Law.
If individuals selling food from home are interested in selling at retail, they must become a licensed and inspected establishment under the health department.
For more information or if you have questions, use the resources below or contact the Pulaski County Health Department at 573-774-3820.

RSMo 196.298 - https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=196.298

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Cottage Law Information - https://health.mo.gov/safety/foodsafety/index.php

Pulaski County Health Department – https://www.pulaskicountyhealth.com/foodestablishments.html

Definitions — operation not deemed food service establishment, when — no state or local regulation.

03/11/2026

A ServSafe Food Manager Certification class and proctored exam will be held on March 30, 2026. The class will begin at 8:30 am and end at 3:00 pm. The proctored exam will begin at 3:30 pm, and will have up to 2 hours to complete the exam. The class fee is $175.00.
If the training has been completed online and you would like to take the proctor exam in person or if need to retake the exam, you can join the proctoring session at 3:30 pm. The cost for the proctor session is $60.00 and includes the exam access code.
A minimum of 4 people is required for the class to be held. Registration and fee are due by March 25, 2026.
To register, call 573-774-3820.

02/04/2026

A ServSafe Food Manager Certification class and proctored exam will be held on February 23, 2026. The class will begin at 8:30 am and end at 3:00 pm. The proctored exam will begin at 3:30 pm, and will have up to 2 hours to complete the exam. The class fee is $175.00.
If the training has been completed online and you would like to take the proctor exam in person or if need to retake the exam, you can join the proctoring session at 3:30 pm. The cost for the proctor session is $60.00 and includes the exam access code.
A minimum of 4 people is required for the class to be held. Registration and fee are due by February 18, 2026.
To register, call 573-774-3820.

01/25/2026

Due to road conditions our office will be closed Monday, January 26th. Please be safe if you must be out in the cold and on hazardous roads. The warming center being managed by the Pulaski County Homeless Coalition & MERC will remain open. Watch their page for updates on the 24/7 warming center.

01/23/2026

Please share! Community volunteers will staff and operate a warming shelter for the public in response to the impending emergency weather. This shelter will be available starting this evening at 7 pm and remain open 24/7 thru Sunday (unless stated otherwise). For details, please refer to the accompanying flyer and assist in disseminating this information to those in need of a warm refuge. This is available for anyone in need.

12/29/2025

Just a reminder, all 2026 food permit applications are due by December 31, 2025. If permits are not renewed by December 31, a late fee of $5.00 per day will be applied to the permit fee up to the end of January. If payment is not received by the end of January, the establishment will be issued a close order on February 1. If you have any questions, please call 573-774-3820.

12/22/2025

A ServSafe Proctor Exam session will be held on February 9, 2026 at 9 am. This is only the exam and not the full class. Sign up today to reserve your spot!

12/19/2025