From Food Trucks to In-Home Daycares: A Closer Look at the Sioux Falls Health Department’s Inspections for 2023

The Sioux Falls Health Department has provided an update on their food inspection numbers for 2023. Dominic Miller, the environmental health manager, emphasized the department’s approach to inspections, which focuses on helping businesses succeed rather than looking for violations. Inspectors aim to ensure that restaurants and food trucks serve safe food so that customers will continue to return.

In Sioux Falls, there are nearly 800 licensed food establishments. In total, the health department conducted 1,799 inspections last year. However, Miller explained that only 40% of inspectors’ responsibilities involve restaurant inspections. They also handle code enforcement, regulate in-home daycares, assist with noise ordinance enforcement, and inspect tattoo and lodging establishments. Each food establishment is inspected at least twice a year.

Mobile food trucks in Sioux Falls must obtain a South Dakota Mobile Food Service license issued by the SD Department of Health before they can vend across the state. To operate within the city limits, vendors must also obtain a mobile vending license from the police department. Last year, over 50 trucks were approved by the police department for operation in Sioux Falls. This summer, around 35 to 40 food truck events are expected to occur in the city. Consumers can find food scores on the siouxfalls.gov website.