environmental    Food Protection Program

The New Bedford Health Department’s Food Protection Program seeks to ensure the safety of the community through inspection and permitting of all food establishments.  Food establishments inspected twice a year and are regulated based on the standards set forth by the FDA Food Code.

If you think that you have gotten sick from a restaurant, contact your Health Care Provider.   Call the New Bedford Health Department at  508-991-6199.

Massachusetts Food Code 11-16-18

 Food Establishments

To apply or renew  a food establishment permit, please have the following:

  • Plan Review Form – A plan review  must be completed for those food establishments that are remodeling, changing ownership, opening for the first time or adding a new operation.
  • Application
  • Servsafe Certificate (Has to be same person as Allergen Cert)
  • Allergen Certification (Has to be same person as Servsafe Cert)
  • Anti –Choking Certification (establishments with 25 seats or more)
  • Fee Payment – Please pay by check or money order made out to City of New Bedford.

Please note the annual permit cycle runs from  July 1st – June 30th.

Retail Establishments

To apply or renew  an food retail establishment permit, please have the following:

  • Plan Review Form – A plan review  must be completed for those food establishments that are remodeling, changing ownership, opening for the first time or adding a new operation.
  • Application
  • Worker’s Compensation Certificate
  • Fee Payment – Please pay by check or money order made out to City of New Bedford

Please note the annual permit cycle runs from  July 1st – June 30th.

Temporary Food Establishments and Events

To apply for a Temporary Food Permit or Event Permit, please have the following:

Residential Kitchen

Mobile Vendors

To apply or renew  a Mobile Vendor permit, please have the following:

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