Important Notice: Upcoming Licensing System Transition (SAFHER)
DIAL's Food Safety Bureau will launch a new online licensing system for all Food & Hotel Establishments and Social & Charitable Organizations in Fall of 2026.
The existing USA Food Safety site will be transitioned to this new system, known as SAFHER.
Current Status
At this time, no action is required from license holders. We will keep you informed with updates and instructions in the months ahead. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions below for more information.
List items for SAFHER FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
SAFHER is the new Online Licensing System for all Food & Lodging Establishments and Social & Charitable Organizations in the State of Iowa. It also serves as the new Online Food Inspection Report and Complaint Database.
The new system is scheduled to launch in Fall of 2026. A specific launch date will be announced closer to the transition.
No. The new system is currently in the final stages of testing and development and is not yet available for use. There is no action you need to take at this time. We are sharing this information early to help you prepare for the upcoming transition.
We will provide advance notice through email, website announcements, and other communication channels. Detailed, step-by-step instructions will be provided well before any action is required on your part.
No. Current licenses will remain valid until their regular expiration date.
Yes. If you have an active USA Food Safety account, your account will move to SAFHER.
Important Login Instructions: The first time you log into SAFHER, you will create an Okta SSO (Single Sign-On) account that will connect with your SAFHER account using your email address.
Please Note: If you use a different email account when you log in for the first time, your accounts will not link properly. A complete guide will be provided close to implementation to walk you through this process.
The USA Food Safety system will continue to be used only for Amusement Devices licensing.
It will no longer be accessible for Food & Hotel Establishments and Social & Charitable Organizations in the State of Iowa. All licensing and inspection activities for those sectors will completely move to the new SAFHER system.
