Jackson Free Press

JACKSON — The Mississippi State Department of Health wrapped up inspections of 130 food booths at the State Fair right before it opened on Wednesday night.

All food booths at the fair must receive permits, just like any other full-service restaurant that operates in the state. Anne Hogue, an environmentalist at the health department, said a food booth cannot operate at the fair without a permit. After inspection, food booths should display a sticker with a red border, in the shape of the state of Mississippi.

"If you see this (sticker), it should be safe to eat there," Hogue told reporters Wednesday.

She added that if fairgoers see something that makes them uncomfortable with a booth's food or sanitation, they can call the health department with any concerns at 601-576-7689.

More than 130 food booths are operating at the fair this year, and department food inspectors began their work Monday in teams of two. Inspectors check for a variety of things, from proper and separate sinks for dishwashing and hand-washing to thermometers that ensure foods stay at the proper temperature. They also ensure that workers handle food safely.

"Most of these people go from fair to fair to fair, and they have it down pat," Hogue said. "They are doing things I would have never thought to do (to follow state health-code rules)."

Food vendors were already warming up and preparing for customers Wednesday afternoon. At one end of Omar's Cinnamon Rolls booth, one of the bakers rolled out the dough and chopped it into rolls, all in front of reporters and fairgoers. He demonstrated for the health inspector afterward how he used tongs and wax paper to ensure that he was not touching the cinnamon roll with his bare hands before selling it.

The state fair is open now until Oct. 16. Hours and specific events are listed at http://msfair.net/. You can read more about unique fair foods—including a bacon donut burger—here.

Email state reporter Arielle Dreher at [email protected].