DES MOINES – Staff from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) are conducting inspections of food stands, games, and Midway rides at the Iowa State Fair. Staff from DIAL’s Health and Safety Division are reviewing the operations of all amusement concession games at the fair today to verify the games are appropriately licensed and conducted in a fair and honest manner. Games must also be checked to ensure that an average person could perform under the game rules, and that the object of each game is attainable.

Food safety specialists from DIAL’s Food Safety Bureau began inspecting food vendors yesterday and will continue to make sure that all food items are prepared and served according to Iowa’s food safety laws for the remainder of the fair. Food inspectors will also respond to food safety concerns expressed by fairgoers.

Personnel from DIAL’s Building and Construction Division have been inspecting sections of the state fair amusement rides prior to assembly since Aug. 3, 2024. Inspectors will check the rides daily for correct blocking and fencing distances used to keep riders safe from the machinery. In addition to daily checks, the inspectors will also make sure the ride operators are conducting their own inspections of the rides. The division is responsible for licensing and regulating elevators, conveyances, boilers, pressure vessels, and amusement rides across Iowa.

DIAL Director Larry Johnson, Jr., says “The Iowa State Fair is one of the top events in the country. DIAL’s role is to ensure the Fair maintains its excellent reputation of safety and fairness. Our team of dedicated employees works in partnership with hundreds of vendors to ensure the Fair is a success.”

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing is committed to protecting the health and safety of Iowans through regulation and oversight of health care, food, gaming, building and construction, and labor practices; professional licensure; application of administrative law; and investigation of Medicaid and welfare fraud.