A person who wishes to serve or sell food for a charge or required donation to the public is required by law to first obtain a license from their local health department. These licenses are issued following a facility review to ensure the design of the facility is in compliance with Ohio’s Food Safety Regulations. Licensed food establishments can contact their Environmental Health Specialist for a Food Safety Tool Kit or to learn more about locally available trainings.

Food Service License
Issued to a location or area where food is prepared and served in individual portions. Examples include restaurants, cafeterias, and schools.

Retail Food Establishment License
Issued to a facility that sells prepackaged food items or sells multiple servings of food products. Examples include grocery stores, gas stations, and most pizza shops.

Temporary Food License
Issued to a facility that is operated at an event for no more than five consecutive days.

Mobile Food License
Issued to a moveable structure which must change locations at least once every 40 (forty) days.

Vending Machine License
Required if you sell food that requires temperature control (frozen, refrigerated, or hot food). This license is also required if the food is dispensed in an open container or cup, such as coffee, soda, soup, or hot chocolate.

Micro Market License
Issued to an unmanned store generally located within an office building or factory that offers TCS (temperature control for safety) and non-TCS food items for purchase via self-checkout kiosk. In addition, specific equipment is required. Coolers and freezers must have health switches that will automatically be activated in the event of a temperature control issue or power failure.