Event organizers gathered Wednesday, Feb. 18, for Union County’s annual Food Safety Forum, designed to help those serving food at public events prepare for a safe and successful event season.

The forum provided guidance on protecting food, preventing foodborne illnesses and navigating the application process for permits. Representatives from Union County Environmental Health and Union County Fire Marshal's Office were on hand to answer questions, share about current requirements and walk attendees through key steps to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Participants learned best practices for safe food handling, proper temperature control, and fire safety considerations for temporary setups at festivals, fundraisers and other public gatherings.

“I really learned a lot about the requirements for food vendor permits, food safety and the fire marshal's role in approving events,” said one of the attendees.

By bringing together vendors and County staff in one setting, the forum helped clarify expectations, reduce confusion around permitting and reinforce the importance of food safety in protecting the health of residents and visitors at public events. Union County hosts this forum each year to address common questions and provide timely updates related to food safety.