Retail Food - For New Businesses

We are pleased that you are considering opening a retail food establishment in Louisiana. The Louisiana Department of Health's 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 in which you plan to operate. It is also beneficial to familiarize yourself with the Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51 Part XXIII Retail Food Code.

Please note that as of July 1, 2025, all new plans or plans for substantial renovation of existing facilities require the submission of a plans-review fee of $100 for a standard (10 or fewer business days) or $1,000 for an expedited (5 or fewer business days) plan review. This fee must be paid at the time of submittal, either electronically through our Digital Health Department software or by means of submitting a cashier's check or money order payable to "LDH" or "Louisiana Department of Health." Your inspector can give you additional information on this matter.

The Permitting and Inspection program gives information on the following:

• Contact the State Sanitarian in your Parish
• Employee Handwashing signage
• How To Open A Food Establishment  
• Plans Review Questionnaire
• Mobile Food Establishment Plans Review Questionnaire
• Plans Review Documents for Building & Premise
• Pre-opening Checklist
• Pre Inspection Information
• Retail Food Permit Fee Schedule
• Revenue Form
• Food Safety Certification Provider List
• Food Safety Certification Application
• Food Safety Certificates: Frequently Asked Questions
• Crawfish and Shrimp Menu Labeling Law
• Crawfish and Shrimp Menu Labeling Information
• Louisiana Administrative Code Title 51
• USDA Food Safety Education
• See Restaurant Inspection Results
• Pay Your Permit Online