How to Get a Food Service Permit

Who needs a Food Establishment Permit?

Before you serve food to the public, every food establishment needs to apply for a Food Establishment Permit and pass an inspection. We inspect food service businesses at least once a year, but usually twice each year. We add businesses to our online database as we do inspections.

Who needs a Plan Review?

In addition to a Food Establishment Permit, some establishments will also require a Plan Review. If one of the following is true, you will need a Plan Review:

• New restaurants being built
• Construction, renovation, or layout changes to an existing restaurant
• New equipment or menu changes

If your restaurant is under construction, you can still start the process to get a food service permit.

This process can be completed either in-person or online via email.

Every establishment requires a Food Establishment Permit and an inspection before you can serve food to the public. Some establishments also require a Plan Review in addition to a permit. Review the next section to see if you will need to follow the Plan Review process.

When you come to our office, you’ll need to give us several documents, including:

What you’ll need:

• Food Establishment Permit Application
• Worker’s Comp Insurance Affidavit
• Federal Tax ID (EIN Number)
• Food Protection Manager Certificate (CFPM) 

Steps

1. Ensure you have collected and completed all materials, documents, and information listed. You can bring materials to your appointment or email them ahead of time. 
2. Schedule appointment with ISD by calling 617-635-5326 or email ISDHealth@boston.gov

You can bring your completed application, documents, and payment to:

Division of Health Inspections
1010 Massachusetts Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. If you are paying with cash or credit card, you need to make your payment by 3:30 p.m.

If all of your paperwork in order, we will set up a pre-operational inspection request. The health inspector will tell you if you need to fix anything and sign off on your application if you're approved.

This process needs to be completed in-person, by appointment only.

In addition to a food permit and inspection, you will require a plan review if one of the following is true: 

• New restaurant being built
• Construction, renovation, or layout changes to an existing establishment
• New equipment or menu changes

Not sure if you need a plan review? Call 617-635-5326 or email ISDHealth@boston.gov and they can offer guidance

When you come to our office, you’ll need to give us several documents, including:

Required Material

• Plan Review Worksheet 
• 2 copies of floor plans (drawn to scale)
• Equipment specifications (NSF/UL or equivalent)
• Menu
• Payment for fees 

Note: there may be additional fees depending on the types of food you serve or manufacture. These will be gone over with you in your Plan Review meeting.

1. Ensure you have collected and completed all materials, documents, and information listed 
2. Schedule a Plan Review appointment with ISD by calling 617-635-5326 or email ISDHealth@boston.gov 
3. Bring all listed documents printed and completed to your scheduled appointment in addition to payment for applicable fees

If and when your plans are reviewed and approved, the supervisor in the Health Division who reviewed your plans will stamp them. In some cases, you may need to make some minor changes and come back to our office.

During your opening inspection, the inspector will be checking against your stamped plans. If the plans do not match the layout, there may be a delay in your opening. If you need to make changes after your plans have been stamped, reach out to ISD Health for an additional review.

• Food Establishment Permit Application Filed
• Workman’s Compensation
• Food Safety Certification
• Food Allergen Certification
• Fees paid
• Occupancy / Inspection Certificate
• Federal Tax ID
• Common Victualler License (if applicable)
• Change of ownership letter (if applicable)

At the time of your inspection, everything should be ready to go to operate your business. You should be completely ready so that the moment the inspector leaves you are ready to serve your first customer. Ensure the following:

• No construction remnants 
• All appliances are running
• Food is stored properly
• Sinks are stocked and cleaned
• Cleaning supplies are properly labeled
• Adequate ventilation and lighting 

Plan Reviews: If you are required to have a plan review, be sure that your restaurant layout matches your stamped floor plans - the inspector will be checking against those stamped plans. If the plans do not match the layout, there may be a delay in your opening. If you need to make changes after your plans have been stamped, reach out to ISD Health for an additional review.

The Massachusetts Food Establishment Regulations ensure all food service businesses meet health and safety codes. Follow these guidelines closely to pass your opening and annual inspections and to operate in compliance. The Food Manager Certification Programs outline these guidelines. For more information on these regulations please visit our Food Service Regulations page. 

Below are the most common violations that cause businesses to fail inspection:

• Physical facilities are not installed, maintained or cleaned
• Adequate handwashing sinks are not properly supplied or accessib
• Insects, rodents, and animals are present

Before you schedule your opening inspection, ensure you have the following:

What you’ll need:

• Food Establishment Permit Application Filed
• Workman’s Compensation
• Food Safety Certification
• Food Allergen Certification

• Fees paid
• Occupancy / Inspection Certificate
• Federal Tax ID
• Common Victualler License (if applicable)
• Change of ownership letter (if applicable)