Office of Food Protection

New Establishments

Prior to opening any new food establishment, there are certain critical steps that must be followed. In order to make this process as easy as possible for you we have developed the following checklist (Printable PDF version). In order to advance to the next level, all previous steps must be completed.

1. City/Town zoning approval received for operating a food establishment.

2. * If existing on-site sewage disposal system, date new system plans or "System Suitability Determination" application approved by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) (222-2306). Seating Capacity approved for       seats.
Other limitations: (e.g. single service only)

3. * If new on-site sewage disposal system, date "Conformance Issued" by the Department of Environmental Management.

4. * If on-site water supply, date "Final Approval" granted by the Division of Drinking Water Quality.

5. License/registration fee(s) submitted to the Office of Food Protection at least 2 weeks prior to pre-operational inspection. Make Check Payable To: General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island. Note: Fees may be necessary for each type of license required. (e.g. MRK, FSV, DAR, REC, etc.) (Retail Applications) (Wholesale Applications)

6. If new construction, 3 sets of plans submitted (including plan review application and proposed menu) and plan review fee of $ (equal to license fee) paid to the Office of Food Protection. Please Make Check Payable To: General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island (Please note: The plan review fee is NON-REFUNDABLE, therefore a copy of the DEM and DDWQ approvals should be submitted if applicable along with the food establishment plans. (Guidelines for Construction PDF)

7. Establishment has the required number of "Manager(s) Certified in Food Safety" prior to opening for business. Management has developed a food safety plan to assess, monitor and control hazards.
(Guidance food safety plan document PDF)
(List of certified manager classes)

8. Plan approved by the Office of Food Protection (222-2750).

9. Building permits obtained. (Fire Marshall,etc.)

10. Construction complete, all equipment operational, food safety plan complete and implemented, call for pre-operational inspection by the Office of Food Protection (222-2750).

11. Approval to operate granted by the Office of Food Protection. YOUR LICENSE WILL EITHER BE MAILED OUT OR HANDED DIRECTLY TO YOU.

12. Victualing/liquor license and certificate of occupancy received from city/town building official. All other approvals received. You can now open your food establishment.

Congratulations!!!

Following these steps, in this order, will assure you a properly designed establishment that will assure your safety and the safety of the general public. All of the steps are needed for the final approval of your license to operate a food business in the State of Rhode Island.

*Submit copy to Food Protection

License Applications