In Case of Emergency

Emergency Notification

If your food service establishment experiences a suspected or actual food emergency, the Minnesota Food Code Minnesota Rules 4626, requires you to contact:

Normal Business Hours Emergencies

Washington County Public Health and Environment
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
651-430-6655

After Hours Emergencies

Washington County Sheriff's Office
651-439-9381 and indicate that you need to contact Public Health and Environment

If you call 9-1-1

  • Indicate that you need to contact Public Health and Environment

Examples of Emergencies

  • Fire
  • Power outage
  • Flood or sewer back-Up
  • Foodborne illness complaint from a customer/client
  • Water service disruption
  • Tornado or significant storm damage contamination
  • Intentional food contamination (tampering)
  • Chemical incident
  • Diagnosed employee illness of Hepatitis A, E Coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and other illnesses that may be transmitted through food
Foodborne illness complaints regarding other establishments can be registered by calling the Minnesota Department of Health Foodborne Illness Hotline at

1-877-FOOD-ILL (1-877-366-3455).

Other resources to help you deal with emergencies: