You inquired as to the existence of health codes requiring that shoes be worn in food establishments. The State of Wisconsin has no regulation which specifically requires that shoes must be worn by employees or patrons in restaurants and retail food establishments. The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services' Administrative Code, HFS 196.10(4)(d), does specifically state that "employees shall maintain a high degree of cleanliness and shall conform to good hygienic practices during all working periods in the food service establishments." No other references relating to your question are made in our regulations. I suspect that various health department jurisdictions or business operators may interpret the lack of footwear as an improper hygienic practice and a safety concern.

Sincerely,