Restaurant Inspections

Some Health Departments are Food Safety and Recreational Licensing agents for the state of Wisconsin, meaning they inspect, license, and monitor establishments within their jurisdiction on behalf of the state. The South Milwaukee Health Department is an agent for the Wisconsin Food Safety and Recreational Licensing Program. Inspection reports are now available online for public review. Keep in mind that not all restaurants may be inspected by an agent of the state or use the software that allows this online reporting.

Process for Opening a New Retail Food Establishment

1.  Plan Review: Health Department reviews building plans and kitchen layout to ensure compliance with food code.
   • Plan Review Guidelines Checklist (PDF)
   • Establishment must also contact building and fire inspectors to comply with their codes
2. The following information should be submitted:
   • Contact name and number
   • Food permit application
   • Proposed menu (this is how the health department determines the license category)
   • Copy of blueprints or drawn floor plan of kitchen
   • List of equipment that will be used and specs. The health department needs to ensure all equipment that will be used at establishment is commercial and ANSI/NSF certified.  
   • Staff member food manager certificate. List of courses approved by the state can be found at DATCP Home Food Manager Requirements 
   • Submit documents in person to South Milwaukee/St. Francis Health Department or email Environmental Health
3.  Submit application and fees. 
   • Licensing year goes from July 1st to June 30th
4. Schedule pre-inspection.
   • This inspection must be completed before the business is allowed to open and operate