Retail Food Establishment Resources

Prepared by the Division of Health


Introduction: We have compiled an array of important information and tools that local food establishments can use as a resource.

  • A copy of the State Law dealing with food establishment requirements is provided.
  • Emergency Action Planning Guidance
  • Food, beverage and handwashing posters can be downloaded and posted in your establishment.
  • An educational video on hand washing is provided.
  • Links to the State Health Department and other associated sites.

We hope these resources will assist you in making your food establishment the best it can be. Comments and suggestions are always welcome.


View Chapter 24 "Sanitation in Retail Food Establishments and Food and Beverage Vending Machines".  - Use this searchable Adobe Acrobat pdf to learn about the New Jersey food code.  For example, you can search for "handwashing".

View/Print Guidance (PDF Format) Emergency action planning guidance. Practical guidance for retail grocery and food service establishments in planning for and responding to emergencies that have the potential to create an imminent health hazard. Information on electrical and water service interruptions, boil water advisories, and more.

View/Print Poster (PDF Format) How to sanitize with Institutional Clorox Bleach.

View Sample in English This Red Cross Choking Poster is being distributed by Sussex County Registered Environmental Health Specialists.

View Sample in Spanish Este cartel de Cruz Roja es distribuido por los Especialista en Salud Ambiental Certificado de el condado de Sussex.

View/Print English Placard (PDF Format) Hand washing placard may be printed and placed in bathrooms and food preparation areas.

View/Print Spanish Placard (PDF Format) El cartel para lavarse las manos se puede imprimir y poner en cuartos de baño y áreas andonde se prepara comida.

View Video This "Happy Birthday" Public Service Announcement reinforces the importance of hand washing.

View/Print Poster (PDF Format) This printable poster educates on the danger of drinking while pregnant.

View/Print Poster (PDF Format) "A pregnant woman never drinks alone." - "Una mujer embarazada nunca toma sola."

View/Print Poster (PDF Format) This printable poster educates on the danger of drinking while pregnant.

The New Jersey Department of Health Food and Drug Safety Program external link.

FDA Recalls external link FDA recalls, market withdrawals and safety alerts.

The Division of Health web site contains links to the many programs run by the department.

National Registry of Food Safety Professionals external link 1-800-446-0257

New Jersey Restaurant Association external link

ServeSafe Food Course at Sussex County Community College external link

For ServeSafe Managers external link

For ServSafe Food Handlers external link

For ServSafe Food Handlers external link

Sussex County's Recycling Plan and Solid Waste Amendment

New Jersey's Recycling Law and Recycling Rules external link


The Division of Health serves all 24 county municipalities.