For New Businesses

We are pleased that you are considering opening a Retail Food Establishment in Louisiana. The Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health recognizes that our first and foremost responsibility is to ensure safe, quality food service. We also take pride in providing professional and efficient service to you, our customers. Our licensed State Sanitarians have worked to provide the most proficient methods for plans review and permit issuance.

It is our goal to help guide you through the permitting process. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the conveniently attached documents and provide them to the State Sanitarians in the parish which you plan to operate. It is also beneficial to familiarize yourself with the Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51 Part XXIII Retail Food Code.

The Permitting and Inspection program gives information on the following: