Food Licensing & Inspection

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.

Licenses

All food service businesses must complete an application for a license online with CitySquared. License renewals are due yearly on May 1.

How to Apply For 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

For support logging into CitySquared, email MunicitySupport@ICC-CDS.com or call 855-436-5500.

How Licensing Works

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

Food Service Establishments

Most places that serve or sell food are food service establishments. Brick-and-mortar restaurants, convenience stores selling pre-packaged or hot food, schools with cafeterias, grocery stores, and more are all licensed as food service establishments in New Haven.

Itinerant Vendors

Itinerant vendors are food sellers that are able to move around rather than staying in a single location. All food trucks, trailers, carts, and pushcarts are itinerant vendors.

Food Service Caterers

Caterers prepare, deliver, and often serve food for events like parties and corporate meetings. Any caterer with a kitchen in New Haven or that will be serving food in New Haven needs a license from NHV Health.

Temporary Food Service Establishments

Temporary food service licenses are for preparing, selling, and/or giving away food at events in New Haven. These licenses are only valid for the dates and times of the event detailed in the application.

A temporary food service license would be needed for serving food at events like festivals and carnivals, block parties, and farmer’s markets; it would not be needed for catered events, potlucks, or serving food to guests at home.

Micro-Food Businesses

Food sellers that operate out of shared kitchens and make less than $250,000 in sales per year may qualify to apply for a license as a micro-food business. Click the link below to learn more.

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 environmentalhealth@newhavenct.onmicrosoft.com.