A Notice from the Illinois Department of Public Health:

Foodservice establishments in Illinois (statewide) have been receiving letters from the "Illinois Food Service Compliance Center" using intimidation and threats of a "$2,500 fine or imprisonment, or both" if they don't immediately post hand washing signs at all hand sinks. (Click here to read the letter in full).  This letter states that you can purchase the posters from this entity to prevent such regulatory actions. The letter also mentions state and federal food codes requiring signage. Of course most of the letter is incorrect--with just enough truth to make it believable.

Please note, the Model Food Code is only a document that is meant to be used for a reference for states to adopt their own Food Code.  Illinois HAS NOT changed their code requiring hand washing signs to be posted at all hand sinks.  These hand washing signs ARE NOT required. Food service establishments CAN use their own signs or obtain them for free from the local health department of IDPH.

If you have any questions and for further information, please contact your local health department or the Illinois Department of Public Health
(217-782-4977 or http://www.idph.state.il.us/).