DES MOINESĀ āĀ The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) will be onsite this weekĀ on the state fairgrounds to conduct inspections of Iowa State Fair food vendors andĀ concessionĀ games.
DIA food safety specialists from the Food and Consumer Safety Bureau will begin inspecting and licensing food vendors on Wednesday, Aug. 10. The food safety specialists will also be on the fairgrounds throughout the fair to make sure that all food items are prepared and served in accordance with Iowaās food safety laws. Food inspectors will also respond to food safety concerns expressed by fairgoers.
"Attendees visit the Iowa State Fair for the delicious food, and they can depend on DIA to help ensure theĀ food is safe," said DIA Director Larry Johnson, Jr. "Our staff work very hard and take their jobĀ seriously."
On Thursday, Aug. 11, personnel from the Social and Charitable Gambling Unit will check theĀ amusement concession games to make sure they are appropriately licensed, and that theĀ games are conducted in a fair and honest manner. The aim of these inspections is to ensureĀ that an average person could perform under the rules of the games, and that the object of eachĀ game is attainable.
"The games fairgoers play are fair," saidĀ Director Johnson.
Inspectors also make sure that the rules of the games are clearly posted, the maximum baseĀ cost to play each game is not more than $5, and that all prizes are awarded in merchandise andĀ not cash, per Iowa law.
The departmentās Social and Charitable Gambling Unit is responsible for licensing andĀ regulating all amusement concession games, as well as bingo operations, raffles, and registeredĀ amusement devices. DIAās Food and Consumer Safety Bureau oversees Iowa's food safetyĀ inspection program and is responsible for the licensing of more than 23,000 foodĀ establishments and food processing plants statewide.