Food Service Operators

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)
• 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.

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

  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.

  Business Owner's Bill of Rights

  • Bill of Rights (PDF)
    Other Languages: Español | Русский | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl ayisyen | 한국어 | বাংলা | Italiano | Polski | العربية | Français | اردو | ײִדיש

  Food Safety Workshop Presentations

  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)
    Other languages: 繁體中文 | 한국어 | Español | Русский | Kreyòl ayisyen
  • Rights and Responsibilities for Restaurants Using Delivery Apps