The very first thing you must do is contact the Environmental Health Division (EHD). If this is a facility that has never been permitted before, you will be required to submit plans for a plan review (see Construction Guide in Downloadable Forms). After the plan review is completed and the construction has been finished, a final inspection will be performed and if all is in compliance with the Arizona Food Code, a permit will be issued for operation. If the facility was previously permitted, the inspector will require the establishment meet current Arizona Food Code standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I open a food service facility?
How do I become a certified food protection manager?
A list of companies that offer this certification is available on the Food Handler Classes page on Public Health's' Environmental Health page. Call and schedule the training with one of these independent contractors. One certified food protection manager is required per establishment.
What are the requirements for a mobile food unit?
Guidelines are available on the Downloadable Forms page. If the unit was previously permitted in Mohave County, an inspection will be required. You must call the EHD to make an appointment for inspection of the unit. You will be required to have the unit up to current Arizona Food Code standards and a plan review may be required.
If the unit was not permitted before, a plan review may be required. Contact your local EHD for further information
What fees are involved in opening a food service facility?
At minimum, if a plan review is required, there is a fee associated with this activity. An annual permit fee must also be paid prior to opening the facility and receiving an operating permit
How do I obtain a temporary event permit?
Applications and guidelines are available on the Downloadable Forms page. Read the guidelines and fill out the application. Return the application to the EHD with the appropriate fee at least one week prior to the event. A temporary event permit will then be issued.
How do I prevent food borne illness?
For this information go to the CDC website
What do the different restaurant ratings mean?
An Excellent rating indicates that the establishment did not have any critical violations at the time of inspection.
A Satisfactory rating indicates the inspector did find critical violations, but the operator was able to correct the violations before the inspector left the facility.
A Needs Improvement rating is given when critical violations are found in an establishment but they are not able to be corrected right away.
An Unsatisfactory rating is when the establishment needs to be closed due to gross and insanitary conditions.
Establishments are required to post their current rating where the public is able to view it
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