FAQs for Food Protection

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does the Food Protection unit do?
2. Does the Food Protection unit license restaurants and grocery stores in all areas of the state?

Questions & Answers:
1. What does the Food Protection unit do?	Back to top
The Food Protection unit's mission is to protect NH's food supply and prevent food borne illness through licensing and inspection of NH establishments where food is produced, manufactured, stored or sold. Complaints from consumers and food borne disease outbreaks are also investigated.

2. Does the Food Protection unit license restaurants and grocery stores in all areas of the state?	Back to top
The Food Protection unit licenses and inspects restaurants and grocery stores in 219 out of 234 jurisdictions in NH. The remaining 15 cities and towns "self-inspect", that is, license and inspect their own food service establishments. See the list of Self-Inspecting Cities and Towns to determine if your food service establishment needs to be licensed by the state or a local jurisdiction.