Food Service Establishments
Ledge Light Health District is responsible for licensing and regulating activities involving the preparation and service of food sold or given to the public within the District. This includes traditional food service establishments, temporary events, and vendors.
Connecticut will be implementing the FDA Food Code in the near future. Please view the Frequently Asked Question regarding the FDA Food Code on the Department of Public Health website.
Restaurants and Licensed Kitchens
Ledge Light Health District is responsible for licensing and regulating activities involving the preparation and service of food sold or given to the public within the District. This includes restaurants, licensed kitchens, temporary events, vendors, and caterers.
Although the codes and regulations regarding food service inspection are complex, you can better understand the inspection criteria (a risk-based, 100-point system, with debit items ranging from 1-4 points) from the Compliance Guide for Food Service Inspections.
The frequency of food establishment inspections is based on an establishment’s classification. The more complex the food preparation procedures are, the more frequently an establishment must be inspected. Facilities hot holding food that allows the growth of illness-causing bacteria also require a Qualified Food Operator and food safety training of all staff.
Vendors and Caterers
Ledge Light Health District is responsible for licensing and inspecting food vendors and caterers in the District. The regulation and licensing of these activities are governed by Sections 19-13b48 of the Connecticut Public Health Code and local (District) food service regulations.
The frequency of food establishment inspections is based on an establishment’s classification. The more complex the food preparation procedures are, the more frequently an establishment must be inspected. Facilities hot holding food that allows the growth of illness-causing bacteria also require a Certified Food Protection Manager and food safety training of all staff.
Click here for more information on Certified Food Protection Manager and Person in Charge.
In addition, please see the CT Department of Public Health Food Protection Program Circular letter explaining the implementation deadlines and a CT DPH “draft” side by side comparison of how restaurant classifications will change (October 1, 2017).
Helpful Resources
Applications/Forms
- Food Service License Application
- Food Vendor Application
- Designated Alternate Form
- Employee Training Record
Guidance
- Food Safe Bleach Poster
- How to Clean Up and Disinfection after Norovirus English / Spanish NEW!
- How to Cool Foods Properly NEW!
- How to Store Raw Meats NEW!
- How to Keep Hot Foods Hot NEW!
- How to Safely Cool TCS Foods
- Minimum Cooking Food Temperatures
- Reheating Foods for Hot Holding NEW!
- Holiday Event/Large Meal Preparation Tips
- Storm-Related and Other Emergency Information for Foodservice Establishments – LLHD
- USDA Safe food handling guidance, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture website.
Applicable Statutes/Regulations
- Procedures for Opening A Foodservice Establishment Packet
- LLHD Foodservice Regulations
- State of Connecticut Food Regulations NEW!
- FDA Food Code NEW!
- Information for Regulated Establishments during COVID-19 Situation
- DPH Guidelines for Foodservice Establishments to Safely Reopen after a Power Outage NEW!
- Food Inspection Violation Examples
- Person in Charge Guidelines
- Prohibition of Latex Gloves in Food Establishments
Fees
If you would like information regarding any particular food establishment within Ledge Light Health District, please contact us at 860-448-4882.