Permits and Licenses Health Academy Food Operators Opportunities

Food Service Operators

Whether you work in a restaurant, soup kitchen or other food service establishment, the Health Department has important information about operating a clean, safe, healthy and legal business. Use the links provided on the left to find the guidance and information you need. To assist operators further, they may request a 3-year inspection history report for their food service establishment.

Cannabidiol (CBD) Prohibited in Food and Drink

In December 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement clarifying its position on cannabis-derived products. The FDA stated that it is unlawful to add CBD to food or drink. As a result, the Health Code also prohibits adding CBD to food or drink, including in packaged food products.

As of July 1, 2019, the Health Department is embargoing food and drink products that contain CBD — the products will have to be returned to the supplier or discarded. Starting October 1, 2019, the Health Department will begin issuing violations to food service establishments and retailers for offering food or drink containing CBD. Violations may be subject to fines, and for food service establishments, violation points may count toward the establishment’s letter grade.

For more information on CBD in food or drink, visit the FDA website.

We will provide updates on our enforcement of these products if the FDA updates its guidance.

Restaurant Food Safety Workshops

The Health Department holds food safety workshops for operators throughout the five boroughs. At these workshops, you will:

Learn how to achieve and maintain an “A” grade
Receive an inspection history report that describes your restaurant’s repeat violations and how to correct them
Be able to ask questions and receive guidance from Health Department staff on improving your restaurant's food safety practices

At this time, there are no workshops scheduled. Please check back on this page for the Spring 2020 schedule.

Business Owner's Bill of Rights

Additional Resources

NYC Health Code for Food Service Establishments (PDF)
What Your Need to Know About the Updated Calorie Labeling Rule (PDF)
Read the latest edition of Food Matters!
Consultative Inspections for New Food Service Establishments (PDF)
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