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 are explained in the letters below.

For help using CitySquared, please see the How To Apply and Renew Your License section below. If you need further assistance with your application, contact us at 203-946-8174 or attend our office hours. For support logging into CitySquared, email [email protected] or call 855-436-5500.

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

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.

How to Apply and Renew Your License

Renewing your licenses follows the same process as applying for a new license. If you need help, use these how-to guides.

Food service establishments: English | Español

Itinerant vendors: English | Español

Or, follow along with this walkthrough video.

Food service establishments: English | Español

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

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].