About Our Office

Brown-Nicollet Environmental Health (BNEH) is the appointed "Health Authority" for the implementation of the Environmental Health Program Ordinances listed below as they exist in Brown and Nicollet County.

The Brown-Nicollet Community Health Board (BNCHB), made up of the 5 county commissioners from both Brown and Nicollet County, oversee the activities of the Brown-Nicollet Environmental Health staff related to the implementation of these ordinances:

• Regulation of Food and Beverage Establishments
• Regulation of Lodging Establishments, Boarding Establishments, Hotels/Motels and Resorts
• Regulation of Public Swimming Pools
• Regulation of Manufactured Home Parks, Recreational Camping Areas and Youth Camps
• Cleanup of Clandestine Drug Lab Sites
• Public Health Nuisance

Additionally, the BNCHB holds a contract with each of the Watonwan and Cottonwood County Boards to provide Environmental Health Program oversight in each county. BNEH staff performs environmental activities related to the following ordinances as they exist in Cottonwood and Watonwan County:

• Regulation of Food and Beverage Establishments
• Regulation of Lodging Establishments, Boarding Establishments, Hotels/Motels and Resorts
• Regulation of Public Swimming Pools
• Regulation of Manufactured Home Parks, Recreational Camping Areas and Youth Camps

Minnesota Food Code Revision

The Minnesota Food Code which provides rule and guidance for all Food and Beverage establishments is in the process of being revised. Select the Minnesota Food Rule Revision Website link located under the Quick Links section on this page to view current drafts or submit comments.

Reporting Foodborne Illness

If you would like to report a foodborne illness, please call the office at 507-934-7096 or the Minnesota Foodborne Illness Hotline at 877-366-3455 (877-FoodIll).

If you are ill, please first contact your health care provider. To report an emergency, please call 911.

Minnesota Department of Health Emergency Operations

To report a natural or man-made emergency that may have serious public health consequences for the community, call the Minnesota Department of Health Emergency Operations at 651-201-5735. View the MDH Emergency Operations website for additional contact information.

Emergency Preparedness

Visit the Minnesota Department of Health's Emergency Preparedness website for helpful information on flu centers, individual and family preparedness, emergency communications, and more.