Retail Food Program

The Burlington County Health Department conducts unannounced inspections of all retail food establishments in the county. These establishments include, but are not limited to, restaurants, bakeries, delis, supermarkets, catering facilities, institutions, mobile units and temporary events. These inspections are conducted by trained Public Health Professionals with college degrees who are also licensed New Jersey Registered Environmental Health Specialists.

During inspections, these professionals spend most of their time evaluating foodborne illness risk factors and interventions. Risk factors are improper practices identified as the most common factors resulting in foodborne illness. Interventions are control measures to prevent foodborne illness. These items include, knowledge of food safety principles by the person in charge, proper hand washing, approved food source, prevention of cross contamination of food, food temperature controls, such as receiving and storage, cooking, chilling, hot and cold holding and reheating. Good retail practices are also evaluated, such as safe food and water sources, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, insects, temperature controls, and physical facilities.

Operating Requirements

If you are interested in opening a retail food establishment in Burlington County an application is required (see forms below). Construction permits, change of owner permits and other licenses may be required by the local municipality. Be sure to check with your town for additional requirements.

Note: If you are selling food by the pound, you must contact the Weights and Measures Division of the Health Department to have your scale properly certified. For Weights and Measures, please call 609-265-5098.

For more information regarding retail food establishment regulations, please contact the Burlington Health Department Environmental Section at 609-265-5515.