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be cleaned on a frequency consistent with the service per section 4-202. 11, of the Food Code, for example. Routine service must include check- ing food for signs of damage or tam- pering, expiration dates, recalled items, etc. Micro market operators will want to ensure the guidelines are included in their micro market driver training materials and drivers are complying with the requirements at each service. Proactive licensing It's important to be proactive, in that it helps open the dialogue and encour- ages health departments to allow micro markets in workplaces. If an operator merely swapped micro mar- kets for vending at a location without contacting the health department, he or she will be discovered, warns Eils. "We suggest operators visit the health department and talk about the micro market, then ask what they need to do to get a license," said Eils. He believes that micro market operators should be prepared to pay a cost for the licens- ing somewhere in between a vending machine license and a convenience store license, perhaps $100 to $500, depending on the state. The license fee will cover inspection and admin- istrative costs incurred by the health department. Micro markets have been classified as a priority 1 loca- tion, meaning they have low exposure to foodborne illnesses, so inspections will likely be yearly. "It's the cost of doing business," said Eils. "The revenue is higher with a micro market, so operators will just have to build the license fee into the prices." Eils does say that if an operator is caught without a license, there will be no jail time, or even a fine. From his experience, the health department simply makes the opera- tor go through the process of obtain- ing the proper license, along with the costs of closing the market until the license is obtained. Decades ago, health departments worried that vending machines couldn't provide the same degree of food safety as restaurants or retail loca- tions with on-site employees. Regula- tions and strict dedication to proper food handling and its transportation by operators was able to counter those fears and keep the consumer safe from foodborne illness. Micro markets are going through the same process. Fed- eral guidelines are coming, and it's important for micro market opera- tors to be prepared, ready to join the educational process and comply with regulations to keep this lucrative seg- ment of the industry going. 36 Automatic Merchandiser VendingMarketWatch.com October/November 2016 R E G U L A T I O N S A N D L I C E N S I N G Sophisticated and Affordable Micro Market Solutions for Progressive Vending Operators Upgrade to the most advanced and secure Micro Market solution available! • Differentiate yourself - win more Mic Micro Market accounts! • Increase sales for existing accounts with enhanced marketing features! • Lower operating costs – new fee structure! Contact us at 888.282.0689 or visit www.BreakroomProvisions.com vtailer: A progressive vending operator who is open to embracing the fundamentals of retail to improve and enhance their Micro Market business.™ • Advanced security systems • Shelf management solutions • Digital signage • Digital signage • Coolers & fixtures FREE SHIPPING ™ Your complete source for Micro Market equipment Contact us at 888.739.0224 or visit www.vTailSource.com