Retail Food Floor Plan Review
The Consumer Health Division inspects all restaurants and other retail food establishments at least once per year and as often as is necessary to ensure compliance with the New Jersey State Sanitary Food Code, N.J.A.C. 8:24. This also includes (but is not limited to) day care facilities, special events, mobile food units, catering operations, schools, and just about any other place where food is served to the public. There are over 2,800 retail food establishments in Ocean County (not including Long Beach Island). Licensed inspectors also investigate complaints regarding food establishments.
The Environmental Division, in coordination with the Communicable Disease Unit of OCHD, also investigates potential food-borne illnesses for possible outbreaks and potential violations at suspected establishment.
Anyone who plans to open a new food establishment or is planning to remodel/upgrade an existing establishment must submit plans to this office for approval and arrange for a pre-operational inspection prior to opening. Plans must include the following:
- 2 copies of the facility layout
- 2 copies of the proposed menu
- 2 copies of the list of equipment to be used on site
- 2 copies of potentially hazardous food preparation
- A letter of commissary (mobile foods only)
Food establishments may not be based from or operated at a residence, as per the code. Few exceptions apply. Please call our office to discuss.
More information on Floor Plan Review.
More information on Mobile Food Establishments.
More information on Fairs and Festivals.
Temporary Event Application Package.