Food Service Operators - NYC Health

Health

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Opening a Restaurant
Operating a Restaurant
Training
Restaurant Worker Safety
The Inspection Process
Letter Grading for Restaurants
Required Signs
Health Code / Regulations
Mobile Food Vending
Food Vending at Temporary Events
Food Service Establishment Ombuds Office
Smoking Legislation
Green Carts

Opening a Restaurant

Operating a Restaurant

Training

Restaurant Worker Safety

The Inspection Process

Letter Grading for Restaurants

Required Signs

Health Code / Regulations

Mobile Food Vending

Food Vending at Temporary Events

Food Service Establishment Ombuds Office

Smoking Legislation

Green Carts


Food Service Operators

New Added Sugars Warning Rule

The NYC City Council now requires chain restaurants to post a warning icon next to menu items that contain high levels of added sugars and a warning statement explaining the health risks of consuming high amounts of added sugars. The NYC Health Department may issue a summons for violations subject to a $200 fine beginning on October 4, 2025.

New Added Sugars Warning Rule: What Chain Restaurants Need To Know (PDF)
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Nutrition: Added Sugars

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.

Business Owner's Bill of Rights

Bill of Rights (PDF)
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To submit confidential feedback on inspections, visit
nyc.gov/customersurvey.

Customer Service Office

The Customer Service Office for food establishments, temporary food service establishments and mobile food vendors is open to walk-ins and by appointment.

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. 4 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: 125 Worth Street, Room 1020, Manhattan

To schedule an appointment:

Email infobfscs@health.nyc.gov. In the subject line, put "Customer Service Appointment".

Call 212-676-1600.

New or renewal permitting services are not offered at this location. To find out how to apply for or renew a permit, visit Food Establishment Permits.

Services Offered:

Information about compliance with health code regulations

Food safety

Letter grading

Smoke free air act

Menu posting requirements (calorie labeling, sodium warning)

Consultative inspections

Guidance regarding applying for or renewing a permit or license

Reopening guidance and recommendations

Plan review

Replace a letter grade card

Provide required signs, posters and other educational materials

Review and approval of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans

Provide inspection history reports

Meet with Ombudsperson (by appointment only)

Requirements for Outdoor Dining Setups

If you plan to participate in the new Dining Out NYC program, review these requirements to make sure your outdoor dining setup is successful:

If your restaurant has 20 or more seats, including both indoor and outdoor seats, you must have a customer bathroom.

You may not allow smoking or vaping of any substance in any part of your outdoor dining setup. This follows the NYC Council's change to the Smoke Free Air Act.

You may allow dogs in your outdoor dining setup if you follow the Outdoor Dining With Dogs requirements (PDF).

You must expand your contract with a pest management professional so it covers your outdoor dining setup. For tips on hiring a pest management professional, see How to Reduce Rats Around Outdoor Dining (PDF).

You may not process food or store food, utensils or food equipment in the outdoor dining setup.

Floors in the outdoor dining setup must be made of durable, nonabsorbent materials that are easy to clean.

If you have questions about the:

NYC Health Department requirements, contact the NYC Health Department at infobfscs@health.nyc.gov or 212-676-1600

Dining Out NYC program, contact the NYC Department of Transportation at diningoutnyc@dot.nyc.gov or 212-839-4500

Inspection History Report for Your Restaurant

To ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and avoid fines, operators may request a 3-year inspection history report for their food service establishment.

Food Safety Workshop Presentations

Policy Efforts in Food Service Establishments To Reduce the Burden of Chronic Disease (PDF)

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Adulterated Foods: What Food Service Operators Need to Know (PDF)

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Food Safety Updates (PDF)

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Additional Resources

NYC Health Code for Food Service Establishments (PDF)

What Your Need to Know About the Updated Calorie Labeling Rule (PDF)

Consultative Inspections for New Food Service Establishments (PDF)
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Rights and Responsibilities for Restaurants Using Delivery Apps