Food Licensing & Inspection

Licensing & Inspection of Food Establishments

We seek to protect the public while maintaining New Haven’s quality standards for food preparation and service. To achieve this we work with owners and operators of food service establishments within the city limits to uphold the 2022 FDA Model Food Code and the City Code of Ordinances.

2025 License Renewals

Food service and itinerant vendor licenses expire on May 1st, 2025. To renew your license, complete a re-application online with CitySquared.

License fees and instructions are explained in the letters below. For help with CitySquared, please email [email protected] or call 855-436-5500. For general questions, contact the NHV Health at 203-946-8174.

Food service establishment renewal letter: English & Español

Itinerant vendor renewal letter: English & Español

Licenses

All food service businesses must complete an application for a license online with CitySquared.

Office hours are available to assist with applications on Tuesdays from 2:00pm-4:00pm and Wednesdays from 9:00am-12:00pm.

How to Use CitySquared

If you need help applying for or renewing your license, use these how-to guides.

Food service establishments: English | Español

Itinerant vendors: English | Español

How Licensing Works

These step-by-step guides explain how the food licensing process in New Haven works.

Food service establishments: English

Itinerant vendors: English

Temporary food service establishments: English

Resources for Food Service Establishment Owners/Operators

Check the 2022 FDA Food Code

Download the CT DPH document to request a variance

See guidance on the acidification of sushi rice

Find resources for Certified Food Protection Managers

View a sample of the Food Service Inspection Form

See an overview of the Reciprocal Itinerant Vendor Program permitted in New Haven

Polystyrene (Styrofoam) Ordinance

As of August 2023, the ban on the use of polystyrene (Styrofoam) by food service establishments is being enforced. See notices below for more information.

To report a concern regarding a food service establishment, the public may contact the New Haven Health Department at 203-946-8174 or the Environmental Health division at [email protected].