Louisville Restaurant Food Safety Compliance Guide

Louisville Licensing & Health Department Requirements

All food service establishments in Louisville must obtain a Food Service License from the Louisville Metro Health Department's Food Protection Division. This includes full-service restaurants, quick-service operations, food trucks, and catering businesses. Kentucky Administrative Regulations (KAR) 33 ESG 1:006 sets operational standards, while the Food Code adopted by Louisville mandates HACCP plans, employee health policies, and temperature control documentation. Restaurant owners must display their current license and maintain records of all corrective actions taken during inspections. Initial licensing requires completed applications, proof of food handler certifications, facility plans, and inspection fees.

Inspection Process & Frequency in Louisville

The Louisville Metro Health Department conducts routine, unannounced inspections of all licensed food service establishments at least annually, with higher-risk facilities inspected more frequently. Inspectors evaluate critical violations (immediate health hazards), major violations (conditions that contribute to foodborne illness), and minor violations (less serious non-compliance). Critical violations—such as improper cooking temperatures, cross-contamination, or pest activity—can trigger immediate closure orders. Louisville inspectors use Kentucky's standardized inspection form and document all findings in a public database. Restaurant owners receive written inspection reports and have the right to request reinspections after corrective actions are documented.

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