Retail Food Service Establishments | Vermont Department of Health

What You Need to Know About Getting a Retail Food License

You will need a retail food license if you are operating a restaurant, commercial catering business, food truck, push cart, retail bakery, limited operation, seafood vending or shellfish reshipping/repacking business.

How to Get a Retail Food License

Determine which license you need.

License Type	Is Needed For:
Restaurant	All seated foodservice Anywhere food is prepared and served for onsite foodservice.
Commercial Caterer	Takeout-only foodservice (no seating) Food trucks Food trailers Push carts Offsite caterers
Temporary Foodservice	Temporary setup for sales at farmers markets, fairs, events, etc.Apply for temporary foodservice
Limited Operation	Foodservice limited to hot dogs and/or cold sandwiches.
Seafood Vendor	Selling seafood products at retail.
Shellfish Reshipper/Repacker	Processing or breaking down shellfish into smaller lots for wholesale or retail sale.

Contact other state and local agencies.

Submit a complete application packet.

Pass an opening inspection.

Apply Online Print a Retail Food License Application Español Renew Your License

Translated Information

Specific Information About:

Shellfish Reshippers and Repackers

Specialized Processing Methods

Retail food service businesses that use Specialized Processing Methods must apply for a variance and/or prepare and follow a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan before using these processing methods. Specialized Processing Methods may include smoking and curing food, reduced oxygen packaging of food, and acidification of food.

Read the requirements and apply: Specialized Processing Methods

Download HACCP Templates

Search the Directory of Food Processing Authorities

Shared Kitchens and Pop-Up Kitchens

Mobile Units and Push Carts

Handwashing Posters

We recently redesigned the handwashing posters! Two sizes — in both full color and grayscale — are available for you to print.

Download and print handwashing posters

Important Resources for You

https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/ENV_FL_GuidetoO…

Guide to Opening a Food Establishment

Application for License to Operate a Retail Food Establishment

https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/ENV_FL_Facility…

Facility Requirements Checklist

https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/reg-food-service-est…

Health Regulations for Food Service Establishments

More Resources for You

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Americans with Disabilities Act and Service Animals: Frequently Asked Questions	Read for more details about service animals and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Americans with Disabilities Act and Service Animals: Requirements	This publication provides guidance on the term “service animal” and the service animal provisions in the Department of Justice's regulations.
Boil Water Notice Guidance for Food Establishments	Guidelines outlining temporary methods that must be followed in order to continue food service operations when a Boil Water Notice is issued
Chicken Liver -- Resources for Illness Prevention	Find information from the USDA on food safety risks and outbreaks associated with chicken livers, and guidance for industry and consumers.
Consumer Advisory Sign	Sample sign to warn of the potential health risks from eating raw or undercooked foods
Cook Chicken Liver Like It's Chicken (It Is)	Proper cooking to prevent illness: an infographic for chefs, cooks and caterers.
Electrical (Power) Outage Guidance	Guidance for food establishments on what to do when there is a power outage
Guidance for Food Establishments for Re-Opening After Flooding	Follow these steps after your facility or food stock is damaged due to flooding or power outages.
HACCP Plan Templates	Use these templates to help develop your HACCP Plan.
Handwashing Poster	Printable handwashing sign to post in restrooms