About
This program is for those interested in starting a new food establishment or those renovating an existing food establishment. Contact the Food Safety Program at 609-465-1209 for more information on how to use the program.

Cost

• $60 per facility review

Requirements
The requirements for opening a retail food establishment (PDF) help:

• Assure compliance with state and local sanitary codes.
• Avoid misunderstandings of requirements.
• Prevent additional costs to the operators because of errors found after construction.

Program Services
To operate a retail food establishment in Cape May County, several requirements must be met.

• A detailed plan illustrating the proposed layout of the facility must be submitted to the Department of Health for review. See below for information on what to include on the layout. The following documents will provide a detailed summary of the requirements related to the facility and proper food handling procedures. Reviewing this information prior to completion of the floor plan is suggested.
• In addition to the floor plan, the floor plan review questionnaire (PDF) document and the facility’s proposed menu must also be submitted.
• The basic requirements for physical facilities of retail food establishment (PDF) document must be submitted.
• The foodborne illness risk factors (PDF) document must be submitted.

These items can be either faxed to 609-465-6564 or mailed to the department:
Cape May County Department of Health
Environmental Services Division
4 Moore Road
DN 601
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

After Documents Submitted
The submitted information will be reviewed within 5 days from the date the documents are received. After initial review of the floor plan and accompanying documents, the appropriate inspector will contact the operator to schedule an appointment for a floor plan review.

The floor plan review will provide the establishment owner/operator with the Department of Health’s requirements for operating a food establishment in accordance with New Jersey's Food Code, 8:24 (PDF).

Paper copies of Chapter 8:24, Sanitation in Retail Food Establishments (PDF), can be obtained from this department. While the floor plan review will provide the operator with a basic understanding of the food code, it is the responsibility of the operator to familiarize themselves with the regulations.

A pre-operational inspection is required prior to the planned opening. Schedule this inspection at least 2 weeks prior to the anticipated opening date.

Call 609-465-1209 with any questions regarding the application process.