Food Safety and Community Sanitation

Operating a Food Establishment in NYC

Dear Food Establishment Operator:

Congratulations on your decision to open a food establishment in New York City. In order to assist you in setting up your facilities and help your establishment to be in compliance with applicable regulations, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has developed this web site.

Hopefully, this web site will guide you through the process of opening a food establishment with a minimal amount of frustration. I believe the important information contained within may assist in reducing the number of food borne illnesses resulting from the contributory factors of poor facility design.

This information is designed to help you understand the permit application requirements for construction and renovation of a food establishment. This information only encompasses health-related aspects and should not be construed to contain the regulatory requirements of other agencies including the Fire Department and the Department of Buildings. Owners and agents are advised to contact other appropriate agencies, as required, to obtain permits and to ensure compliance with other local codes.

In addition, this web site provides information, including suggestions for the planning of a well-designed food establishment. It must be noted that the information included in Part II of this web site contains only suggestions for ensuring a well-designed establishment, and in some cases may not be required by existing local or State regulations. For assistance in understanding what is required by law, please consult the applicable regulations, or contact:

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Division of Environmental Health
Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation (BFSCS)
253 Broadway, 6th Floor, Box CN-59A
New York, New York 10007
(212) 676-1600, 1601

Obtaining a Department of Health and Mental Hygiene permit will ensure that your establishment receives inspections on a regular basis. These inspections will assist you in providing the highest quality product to the public in a safe manner. Failure to obtain a permit is illegal and subjects an establishment to immediate closure.

Please read all requirements carefully before you complete and submit an application. On behalf of the Commissioner of Health, I wish you success in establishing a flourishing business in New York City.

From the Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Environmental Health

The Guide

There are several parts in this publication, each available for download in PDF format:

• • Cover Pages (PDF)
• • Introduction (PDF)
• • Part I: The Permit Process (PDF)
• • Part II: Suggested Guide to Food Establishment Design (PDF)
• • Part III: Regulation Summary (PDF)
• • Index & Notice (PDF)
• • Required Forms (PDF)

The Department maintains full-time staff at the Bureau of Food Safety and Community Sanitation who is knowledgeable in the area of regulatory requirements as well as establishment design, and is available to answer any questions you may have. These staff members will provide consultation during the construction phase, and may be reached either by phone or in person during normal business hours.

Citywide Licensing Center

The Citywide Licensing Center maintains staff that collects payment for permit fees and register individuals for Food Protection Courses. In addition, the Citywide Licensing Center is responsible for the issuance of permits.

Citywide Licensing Center
42 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, New York 10004
(212) 487-4436
Hours:Mon. - Fri. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Note: Offices are closed during City/Public Holidays.

The Health Academy

The Health Academy offers Food Protection Courses. Certificates are issued and replacements for lost certificates can also be obtained at the Health Academy.

Health Academy
160 West 100 Street
New York, New York 10025
(212) 280-9209/10
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Note: Offices are closed during City/Public Holidays.

For more information on Inspections, call 311.