Retail Food Program FAQs

Requirements for Temporary Food Facilities

Event Coordinator Responsibilities:

The event coordinator is responsible for completing the permit application, submitting all fees, checklists, and the completed permit, and ensuring that the Food Booth Vendor Information Checklists are complete. A copy of this handout and the checklist must be given to each booth vendor.

Permit Required:

A permit to operate a temporary food facility is required before the event may open for business.

Application Process:

The event coordinator must submit a complete application packet, including the application, Food Booth Vendor Information Checklist, and any required fees at least two (2) weeks before the event. Failure to submit the application at least two (2) weeks before the event may result in additional fees or prevent approval of the permit. The current hourly inspection rate is $115.00 per hour.

Fees:

A non-refundable application fee of $35.00 is required along with a fee of $69.00 for each for-profit booth. Non-profit booths must provide documentation confirming their non-profit status and non-profit tax I. D. Number. Those individuals claiming veteran's fee exemption must submit a copy of the DD214 form.

Training and Pre-meeting Available:

Contra Costa Environmental Health staff are available for training and pre-meetings with booth operators and event coordinators. Training covers sanitation requirements for temporary food facilities and safe food handling practices.

For information on scheduling a training session or pre-meeting, please contact the Environmental Health office at 925-692-2500.

Sanitation Requirements:

Temporary food facilities must comply with the following standards.

Food Sources:

All food must be from approved commercial sources.
No home-prepared foods or foods from unlicensed food facilities are allowed.
Shipping tags must be provided for all shellfish (i.e., oysters, clams, mussels, scallops).

Contra Costa Environmental Health
2120 Diamond Boulevard, #200
Concord, CA 94520
925-692-2500
925-692-2502 fax

Content provided by Contra Costa Health Services, Environmental Health Division.