As water and power services return to affected areas, food service facilities that want to resume business must contact their local health department or Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Division of Food Safety at 601-576-7689. Qualifying facilities may be issued an interim license to operate until a physical inspection is performed by an MSDH Environmentalist.

To qualify for an interim license:

• The facility must post a sign on its door affirming that a certified manager has spoken with MSDH and that a certified manager is on duty to take responsibility for the safety of any food served.
• A certified Food Safety manager must be on duty in the facility.
• The facility’s water supply must be safe.
• All food must be kept at a proper temperature.
• All cold holding equipment must be operating at a proper temperature.