DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH

Retail Food Establishment Inspection Program

The Environmental Health Unit inspects all restaurants and other retail food establishments at least once a year. This also includes schools, daycare centers, special events and just about any other place where food is served or sold to the public. There are over 1400 retail food establishments in Atlantic County (not including Atlantic City). Trained inspectors also investigate complaints regarding retail food establishments. Investigations with the Community Health Unit are also initiated after reports are received indicating an individual has been diagnosed with a communicable food-borne disease and may have eaten at a retail food establishment. Staff also provides food safety classes to food handlers upon request.

Anyone planning to open a new establishment or are planning to remodel an existing establishment must call 609-645-5971 ext. 4277 to submit plans and arrange for a pre-operational inspection.

Legal References:

N.J.S.A. 26:1A-7
N.J.A.C. 8:24-1 et seq. – State Sanitary Code – Chapter XII
N.J.S.A. 26:1A-7
N.J.A.C. 8:24-1 et seq. - Chapter 24

Helpful Links:

• New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
• US Food and Drug Administration - Center for Food Safety and Nutrition
• Emergency Action Planning Guidance for Retail Food Establishments.
• USFDA CURRENT RECALLS - Foods and Other Products
• Chapter 24 - Risk Based Inspection Check Sheet