Food Service

Restaurant Scores

Environmental Health inspections help protect the public. Click here to search for the inspection scores of establishments near you.

Preparing for an Inspection

Prepare your establishment for a health department inspection under the Georgia Food Code.

• Guidance for Inspection Preparation
• Inspection Fee Schedule

Opening a Restaurant

The Office of Environmental Services requires certain documents to review your restaurant plans.

• Plan Review Schedule
• Sample Drawing and Equipment Schedule
• Construction and Facilities Review

Food Service Permits and Applications

Standard
For applicants who wish to operate a new food service establishment, or if there is a change of ownership to an existing food service establishment. Applicants must also complete the required packet if the project involves structural modifications unless prior approval has been obtained from the health authority.

• Starting a Food Service Business in Clayton County
• Basic Requirements for Opening a Restaurant
• Food Service Permit Application

Temporary
The organizer and vendors for a temporary food service event must submit this application 30 days before the event.

• Temporary Food Service Establishment Application
• Temporary Food Service Event Organizer Application 
• Self-Inspection Checklist for Temporary Food Facilities 
• Self-Inspection Checklist for Temporary Food Facilities (Nonprofit Sponsored)
• Food Safety at Temporary Non-profit Events

Mobile and Extended Food Service/Food Trucks

• Mobile Food Service Establishment FAQs
• Basic Requirements for Obtaining a Mobile Food Unit Permit
• Permit Application for Mobile/Extended Food Service Units
  Any change in the location of a mobile unit must be submitted to the Office of Environmental Services at least 7 days prior to changing the location and must be granted from the local zoning office.
• Mobile Food Service Unit Property Use Agreement
• Georgia Food Service Mobile Unit Location Listing
• Fire Department Guidance for Mobile Food Units
• Toilet Use Agreement for Mobile Food Service Unit

Pop-up Food Services
A Pop-up Food Service operation is coordinated through a Facilitator within a building or enclosed courtyard, not to exceed 3 hours in one day. A separate permit is NOT required for “pop-up” food service operations, only a Letter of Approval issued by the Health Authority.

• Guidelines for Operating at a Pop-up Food Service Operation
• Pop-Up Food Service Facilitator Application
• Pop-Up Application/Evaluation form

Georgia Department of Public Health Variance and Waiver Information and Application

Under certain conditions, the Georgia Department of Public Health may grant a variance or waiver from the state’s Rules and Regulations for Food Service. 

• DPH Process for Considering Variance and Waiver Requests 
• Request for Variance From Rules and Regulations 

Food Service Establishment Modification Application

To initiate a modification or remodel of an existing food service establishment, complete and submit this application at least 14 business days in advance and obtain approval from the Office of Environmental Services.

• Application for a Permit to Modify a Food Service Establishment

Food Service Rules and Regulations

• Food Service Chapter 511-6-1 (en español) 
• Food Service Public Health Reasons 
• Educational Materials on Employee Health

Food Recall Alerts

• Department of Agriculture Food & Feed Recall Alerts for Georgia

Food Safety

• Food Preparation Review
• Food Safety Education
• Food Safety Questions (en español)
• Food Safety Complaint Form
• Food Safety During Emergencies
  • Power outages, water damage or water service interruptions could lead to unsafe food in your home.
    A Consumer’s Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes
    
  • Water Safety and Boil Advisory
    CDC Standard Recommendations
    CDC Safe Water Resources
    Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene (WASH)-related Emergencies & Outbreaks
    • Food Service Establishments
      If a water service interruption lasts longer than two hours, food service operations should stop serving food and beverages, unless it has an emergency operations plan approved by the local health department.
      • Emergency Action Plan for Retail Food Establishments
      • Guidance Document for Assessing Emergency Operation Plans
      • Contaminated Water Supply/Water Interruption Guidance
      • Water Interruption Brochure
      • Steps to Take Once a Boil Water Advisory Order Has Been Lifted
    • Hotels and Motels
      Hotels and motels should post signs that advise guests not to drink or use water and only use commercially bottled water for drinking, food and beverage preparation, brushing teeth and bathing infants. Dispose of ice made on-site and clean and sanitize ice machines before making ice again.
      • ASHRAE Standard 188 Risk Management for Building Water Systems
    • Swimming Pools
      Swimming pools and spas should be closed until boil advisory has been lifted.

Click here for more information on Food Service.