Permit Types
Temporary Food Service
A “Temporary Food Service Establishment” is defined as any food service establishment, which operates at a fixed location for a period of time not to exceed 14 consecutive days in connection with a fair, carnival, special promotion, or similar event.
If you or your organization will be a part of a temporary food service establishment, the local health authority must be contacted prior to the event. This contact is required to set up a dialogue outlining the requirements for safe food service and permitting before the event begins. Resources are available below to put you on the right track to a safe and organized temporary food service establishment set-up.
The fair at which I will set-up my temporary food service unit will be open for three weeks. Will we be able to stay open for more than 14 consecutive days?
No. The permit to operate the temporary facility is valid for only 14 consecutive days, anything else would require beyond the minimum requirements of Chapter XI - Temporary Food Service; that is to say that all applicable requirements of Regulation 61-25 would have to be met to be permitted as a permanent retail food establishment.
I have been previously set-up as a special event food service vendor at a 3-day festival. Can I set up at the two-week run of the state fair using the special event guidelines?
No. The guidelines for temporary food service in Chapter XI of Regulation 61-25 requires more complex requirements to be meet on food safety concerns due to the extended nature and more complex preparation requirements of foods.
Resources available:
Special Events
A “Special Event” is defined as a mass public gathering not to exceed three consecutive days where food is prepared and served to the public, such as community celebrations, festivals, special promotions, or similar events.
If you or your organization will be a part of a special event, the local health authority must be contacted prior to the event. This contact is required to set up a dialogue outlining the requirements for safe food service and permitting before the event begins. Resources are available below to put you on the right track to a safe and organized special event.
We want to participate at a special event, and serve only hot dogs and hamburgers. Do I need to meet the special event guidelines of the regulation?
Yes. The health authority will require you set-up to comply with at minimum the requirements of Chapter XII of Regulation 61-25.
I will only serve non-potentially hazardous beverages and non-potentially hazardous prepackaged food. Will I have to follow the requirements as outlined in Chapter XII of Regulation 61-25?
No. If only serving non-potentially hazardous beverages (canned sodas) and non-potentially hazardous food prepackaged foods (Chips for example), these items would be exempt from the regulation at a special event.
Resources available:
Mobile Food Unit
A “Mobile Food Unit” is defined as a vehicle-mounted food service operation that returns daily to its base of operation.
A mobile food unit shall comply with all provisions of Retail food Establishments Regulation 61-25, which are applicable to its operation. All types of units at fairs and special events must have a permit.
What foods can be served from a mobile unit with a permit?
Mobile units may perform minimal preparation for foods. Foods such as hot dogs, pizza, soft ice cream, and other similar foods approved by the health authority can be prepared and served.
What foods can be served from a mobile unit without a permit?
Food items considered non-potentially hazardous that require minimal preparation, such as cotton candy and boiled peanuts.
How must a mobile unit be constructed?
Preparation and display areas must be completely enclosed with a solid material, and doors shall be kept closed when not in use. A handwashing lavatory equipped with hot and cold water under pressure, soap and disposable towels, and an approved wastewater tank must be provided.
Do I have to have a base of operations?
A permitted base of operations shall be provided for mobile units and mobile units must return at least daily to such location for supplies and for all cleaning and service operations.
Resources available:
Catering
A “Caterer” is defined as a permitted food service establishment that serves food at a remote site for a private group.
I want to occasionally cater events. Do I need a permit?
As defined in Regulation 61-25 an “Occasional caterers” do not need a permit under one condition. Occasional caterers shall provide food to a single client and shall not exceed four functions in a twelve-month period, do not possess a business license, and do not advertise.
Caterer’s that exceed the above will be required to obtain a permit.
I want to cater all of the time. I understand that I will have to obtain a permit under Regulation 61-25. Will you give me a permit for my home kitchen so that I can caterer more than is allowed for the occasional caterer?
It is very rare for a home kitchen to be permitted under Retail Food Establishment Regulation 61-25. This is because of the need for commercial hoods, commercial dish machines, approved commercial well or municipal water source, grease traps, approved wastewater disposal and other requirements of the regulation that most home kitchens cannot meet. One additional requirement is a separation of the family kitchen from the permitted kitchen is required. It is required by regulation that “No operation of a retail food establishment shall be conducted in any room used as living or sleeping quarters”(Regulation 61-25).
Resources available: