Guidance & Resources for Food Service Operators
Translations
The New York State Department of Health has developed guidance for food service operators on various topics, including safe food handling, preparation and storage.
Permits
Permits are issued by the local health department responsible for the area where the food service establishment is located. Please contact the local health department for information.
Food service operators must be in compliance with New York State Workers' Compensation and Paid Family Leave Benefits Insurance Requirements before a permit to operate will be issued.
Foodborne Illness Complaints
Contact your local health department to report a foodborne illness complaint.
Food Handling, Preparation and Storage
- Reduced Oxygen Packaging (ROP) Plan Guidance
- Food Defense Strategies - A Self-Assessment Guide for Food Service Operators
- Restaurant Food Security: Preventive Measures for Food Service Operators
- How to Prevent Food Tampering
- Safe Food Handling also available in Spanish, Chinese (PDF)
- Employee Hand Washing Sticker also available in Spanish, Chinese (PDF)
- Cooling and Reheating of Potentially Hazardous Foods
- Safe Storage and Preparation of Eggs & Foods Made With Eggs
Emergencies and Natural Disasters
Foodborne Illness Outbreak Prevention
Information on specific foodborne and waterborne diseases can be found here.
Infographics were developed using NYS Foodborne Disease Outbreak 2003-2017 Data from local health departments to inform and educate food service establishments about preventing foodborne illnesses and understanding how contributing factors are identified and how outbreaks are investigated.
Other Resources
- Learn about food allergens and what is required of food service establishments
- Dogs Allowed in Outdoor Dining Areas Sign (PDF) - Section 1352-e of Public Health Law requires restaurant operators to comply with certain restrictions if they allow dogs in their outdoor dining areas.
- Latex Allergy
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Equipment Required in Restaurants, Bars, Theaters and Health Clubs
- Availability of CPR Equipment - Public Notice Sign (PDF)
- First Aid for Choking Poster (English, Spanish, Chinese)
- Learn about NYS Department of Environmental Conservation requirements impacting food service operators:
- Polystyrene Foam Ban - Expanded ban effective January 1, 2026 includes foam containers used for cold storage.
- Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law - Effective January 1, 2022
