The Food Safety Program issues permits to retail food establishments and food manufacturing operations to ensure health and safety measures are followed. The Program also ensures food safety at temporary events where food is served, like fairs.
The Food Program does not have jurisdiction in Bernalillo County and Albuquerque, as they have their own food safety programs.
What types of establishments need to be permitted?
If you are preparing food and serving it directly to customers (retail food) or if you are producing food for sale to other businesses (manufactured food), a food permit from the Environment Department is required.
Staff are available to assist you throughout the permitting process. Please contact us for assistance.
The retail food permit application required to serve food directly to customers is available here.
The temporary food event permit application is available here.
If your restaurant is permitted but you would like to begin selling products to other businesses, you must also obtain a food manufacturing permit.
The manufactured food permit application is available here.
Variance application form
Once you complete your retail or temporary event food permit application, contact your nearest Environment Department field office. Staff will provide instructions on how to submit your application, set up an opening inspection and pay permit fees.