Food Establishment Inspections

Northwest Bergen Regional Health Commission is contracted by local boards of health to conduct a retail food establishment program based on state and local laws, regulations and ordinances. A Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) inspects food establishments to determine if there is a violation of Chapter 24 of the State Sanitary Code. (Code was updated 1-2-2007). Please click here for the most Frequently Asked Questions regarding Chapter 24 of the State Sanitary Code.

Are you a member of the public with questions regarding inspections of restaurants and retail food establishments? Check out our FAQ HERE. You can also reach out to one of our inspectors at 201-445-7217.

Retail food establishments are required to keep their most recent inspection report on-site and make it available to the public upon request. Additionally, public access to inspection results are available under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). To request a copy of an inspection, please reach out to the municipality in which the establishment operates. Click HERE for a list of municipalities we serve.

Licenses and Applications

A food establishment license is required for any operation that stores, prepares, packages, serves, or sells food directly to the consumer or provides food for human consumption. This includes, but is not limited to restaurants, grocery stores, school cafeterias, long-term care facilities, daycare centers, and mobile food units. A Health Department license is separate from the permits required by a municipality to operate legally within its boundaries, which often include zoning and other local regulations. NWBRHC only handles Health Department licenses. Please contact the municipality directly regarding zoning, building, etc. Health Department licenses must be renewed each year.

Please note: A new Health Department license is also required whenever there is a change of ownership, even if no physical changes have been made.

If you plan to add on or make changes to your facility, please call to speak with our REHS staff. You will need to submit plans to our department for review.

Temporary Events

Temporary Food licenses are required for events where foods are made available to the public.  A retail temporary food establishment can operate no more than 14 consecutive days in conjunction with a single event or celebration.

Temporary Food Licenses are required to ensure that organizations and businesses understand how to provide adequately prepared, safe food.  Food-related illnesses can result from poor food preparation and subsequent serving practices.  When you apply for a license to serve food, Health Department staff provide education to help you understand how to provide safe food at your event.

Individuals or groups planning to hold events that are open to the public must obtain a license. The following are examples of events that typically require a license:

• A fair, carnival, music event or circus
• Community celebrations
• Public exhibitions
• Sports events
• Fundraisers
• Craft Fairs
• Open houses

Your event is not considered a temporary food establishment if the food is prepared or provided by members of a group for the group’s members and their invited guests.  This only applies to the gathering if it is PRIVATE.  Any public advertisement (i.e., social media, flyers, banners, newspaper articles, listservs, or any other means) of an event will mean a license is required.