Food inspections underway at Tulsa State Fair

TULSA - Whether it's corn dogs, cotton candy, or anything on a stick, fair food is a big attraction at the Tulsa State Fair.

Those serving it have to pass the Tulsa Health Department's tests.

There are more than 200 food booths at the fair, and without a license from the Tulsa Health Department, employees can't start cooking.

The fair opens in less than 24 hours.

That's why the Tulsa Health Department held a meeting with vendors Wednesday morning.

The goal is to educate the vendors on what they are looking for when they come through to inspect. They look for hand washing sinks, food temperature, and suggest that no one comes to work sick.

Tulsa Health Department leaders say hand sanitizer won't take the place of hand washing.

"We focus on education and then if we have to, we take further enforcement actions," said Kendra Wise, Special Events Coordinator, Tulsa Health Department

Food vendors are setting up and cleaning Wednesday. Vendors have to have their licenses by 3:30 Thursday.

There are about 20 inspectors issuing licenses. Leaders say those inspectors will randomly check the food booths each day of the fair.

The fair opens at 5 Thursday night and runs through October 10th.