Food Safety | City of Detroit

Food Safety | City of Detroit
Food Safety
On This Page
block-detroitminew-views-block-news-events-block-1,News & Events*block-detroitminew-views-block-related-links-block-1,Related Links*block-detroitminew-views-block-video-playlist-block-1,Videos*documents-block,Documents*block-detroitminew-views-block-forms-block-1,Forms*block-views-block-faq-block-1,FAQs*block-detroitminew-views-block-district-map-block-1,District Map*block-views-block-council-office-directory-block-1,Office Directory*block-detroitminew-views-block-contacts-block-3,Contacts*block-detroitminew-views-block-contacts-block-4,Contacts*block-detroitminew-views-block-council-member-bio-block-1,Bio*block-detroitminew-views-block-sub-sections-block-1,Sections*block-detroitminew-views-block-web-apps-block-1,Web Apps*block-detroitminew-views-block-news-events-block-4,News*block-detroitminew-views-block-news-events-block-3-2,Events*block-detroitminew-views-block-contacts-special-block-1,Staff*block-detroitminew-views-block-statements-block-1,Statements*block-detroitminew-views-block-newsletters-block-1,Newsletters*block-detroitminew-views-block-newsletters-block-3,Ordinance*block-detroitminew-views-block-newsletters-block-2,Resolutions*block-detroitminew-views-block-newsletters-block-4,Memos
The Detroit Health Department food safety unit licenses and inspects over 1,900 food establishments. The goal of these inspections is to prevent foodborne illness and ensure that safe food is being served to the public.
FOOD SAFETY COMPLAINT AND INQUIRY FORM
If you believe that food served by a Detroit food establishment caused you or a family member to become ill, was prepared, handled, or stored in unclean conditions, or broke food safety laws in some other way, please click the above link.
Search Restaurant Inspection
Dining with Confidence Restaurant Inspection Placards
Food Establishments PLEASE NOTE:
Per Detroit Health Department policy, Food Safety and Environmental Health inspectors should not be offered, nor should they request any form of goods (including beverages (other than water), food, money, etc.) or services in the course of performing their inspection duties at your establishment.
It is illegal to offer an inspector any item of value
in exchange for favorable inspection report/outcome, and any offer of goods or services will be reported to senior department leadership.
LICENSING
Any person or business that is preparing or serving food to the public needs a State Food Service License. Information on the different types of licenses issued by the Detroit Health Department’s Food Safety Unit.
PLAN REVIEW
If a new facility is being constructed or an existing facility remodeled, an application for plan review must be submitted to the Detroit Health Department and approved
before construction can begin.
We can accept plan review applications via mail or the Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) safety ePLANs site, located here:
BSEED ePLANs
TEMPORARY EVENTS
If you are planning an event (eg. festival, carnival, neighborhood event) that involves preparing or serving food or beverages, a temporary license application must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the event.
MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS & SPECIAL TRANSITORY FOOD UNITS
Information on food safety, plan review and licensing for mobile businesses including food trucks, ice cream trucks, and hot dog carts.
OPENING OR PURCHASING A NEW RESTAURANT
Information on purchasing an existing food establishment or opening a new food establishment.
FOOD SAFETY EDUCATION
Food safety posters and handouts, links to helpful websites, employee health forms, laws & regulations, cottage food law, and emergency action plans.
Food Safety FAQ
How do I start a food service establishment in the City of Detroit?
Please visit the Licensing page or contact the food safety unit at (313)876-0135 for information on starting a food service establishment.
What is the next step after my food service license has been approved?
The next step is to apply for your
business license
at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center located at 2 Woodward, Ste. 401, Detroit, MI 48226, (313)224-3179
Do I need a food handler’s card to work in a food service establishment in the City of Detroit?
No, a food handler’s card is not required, however, your employer may request that you obtain one. A person certified as a food manager (unless exempt) is required for each establishment. See more on the
food safety education page
Is the food handler’s card or certified food manager certificate a permit/license to sell food?
No, these certificates are not a permit or license to sell food. A food service license must be obtained. Please
view the licensing page for more information on obtaining a food service license
Can I cook and sell food prepared from my home kitchen?
Only specific food items that fall under the State of Michigan Cottage Food Law can be prepared from your home kitchen.
Read more on State of Michigan website
Can I grill and sell food in the City of Detroit?
Unauthorized cooking in parking lots, at gas stations, car washes, on street corners/sidewalks, or in empty lots, etc. is prohibited. Grilling may be allowed as part of an event or festival approved by the Detroit City Council. Please contact the City Clerk’s office at (313) 224-3260 or
learn more on special events page
When do I need a temporary food license?
A temporary food license is required when selling or giving away food to the public. Please
view the temporary events page for more information
Do I need a food service license to sell pre-packaged, non-perishable food items?
No, a food service license is not needed for selling commercially packaged shelf stable items, but a vendor’s license must be obtained from the
Business License Department
located in the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center at 2 Woodward, Ste. 401, Detroit, MI 48226, (313) 224-3179
How do I make a complaint or report a foodborne illness for a food establishment in the City of Detroit?
You may contact the Detroit Health Department Food Safety Unit at (313) 876-0135 or complete the
online complaint form
When does the food service license expire?
The food service license expires each year on April 30
th
and must be renewed every year. Payments can be made by business check, cashier’s check, money order, or by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover).
Licenses may also now be renewed online
Who is exempt from Health Department licensure?
Michigan Food Law (Act 92 of 2000, as amended) section 289.4105 states that the following types of establishments are exempt from licensure by the Health Department. Please see the
Michigan Food Law
for a complete list.
A person that is offering only whole uncut fresh fruits and vegetables directly to consumers.
Consumers or nonprofit cooperatives of consumers in compliance with the nonprofit corporation act, 1982 PA 162, MCL 450.2101 to 450.3192, providing products from regulated sources only for their own use.
A temporary food establishment with no food preparation using only single-service articles and serving only non-potentially-hazardous food or beverage.
A retail food establishment that does both of the following:
Only sells prepackaged, non-potentially-hazardous foods.
Offers only an incidental amount of food, such as the sale of single-service packages.
A mobile food establishment, such as an ice cream truck, that offers only prepackaged, single-serving frozen desserts.
An event not open to the general public held by a nonprofit trade association representing food establishments, suppliers, or manufacturers where limited food preparation takes place for the purpose of advertising, displaying, promoting, and sampling prepared food.
Documents
2026-2027 Fee Schedule
2026-2027 Fee Schedule
2026-2027 Renewal Food Service Application
2026-2027 Renewal Food Service Application
Special Transitory Food Unit and Mobile Food Establishment Plan Review Manual
Special Transitory Food Unit and Mobile Food Establishment Plan Review Manual
Fixed Food Service Establishment Plan Submission Form
Fixed Food Service Establishment Plan Submission Instructions
Thinking of Opening a Restaurant or Food Truck
Thinking of Opening a Restaurant or Food Truck? Make sure your plans are approved before construction begins. Refer to this document.
Dining With Confidence Fact Sheet
Dining With Confidence Fact Sheet
More Documents
Contacts
City Directory
Food Safety Customer Service
(313) 876-0135
[email protected]
Administrative Office
100 Mack Avenue (Third Floor), Detroit, MI 48201

Monday – Friday from 8:30AM - 5PM
City Directory
Dining with Confidence Restaurant Inspection Placards
Information about Restaurant Inspection Placards
File a Food Safety Complaint
If you believe that food served by a Detroit food establishment caused you or a family member to become ill, was prepared, handled, or stored in unclean conditions, or broke food safety laws in some other way
Licensing
Any person or business that is preparing or serving food to the public needs a State Food Service License. Information on the different types of licenses issued by the Detroit Health Department’s Food Safety Unit
Food Safety Plan Review
If a new facility is being constructed or an existing facility remodeled, an application for plan review must be submitted to the Detroit Health Department and approved
before construction can begin
DHD Temporary Events and Licenses
If you are planning an event (eg. festival, carnival, neighborhood event) that involves preparing or serving food or beverages, a temporary license application must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the event.
Mobile Food Establishments and Special Transitory Food Units
Information on food safety, plan review, and licensing for mobile businesses including food trucks, ice cream trucks, and hot dog carts.
Opening or Purchasing a New Restaurant
Information on purchasing an existing food establishment or opening a new food establishment
Food Safety Education
Food safety posters and handouts, links to helpful websites, employee health forms, laws & regulations, cottage food law, and emergency action plans