The Kansas Department of Agriculture says it will take over food inspections in Sedgwick County rather than renew its present contract with the City of Wichita as a cost-saving move.
Its present contract with the city expires March 31, and state inspectors will take over the work on April 1.
The Agriculture Department says doing its own food inspections is projected to save $125,000 the first year, and $190,000 the second year and the years beyond that. It plans to hire six state inspectors to handle the work.
Wichita City Manager Robert Layton says the city was recently notified of the decision. He says the state did not cite any deficiency in the city's program or offer an opportunity to pursue program options.
Sedgwick County has 2,050 food establishments.
