The Food Sanitation Inspection & Licensing Program provides for the inspection of food service establishments, grocery stores and retail food stores within NH.  The responsibilities of field inspectors include investigating complaints, inspecting food service establishments that are new or have changed ownership, and routinely inspecting facilities that are already licensed.  These inspectors have authority to approve the issuance of provisional licenses that are valid for 90 days for new food service establishments and when establishments change ownership.  Field inspectors are also involved in the investigation of food borne disease outbreaks, food salvage after natural and man-made disasters, and training of food service workers.

The Food Sanitation Licensing & Regulation unit, who works closely with Food Sanitation Inspection & Licensing, issues all food establishment licenses including the conversion of provisional licenses to annual licenses. Staff also determine when regulatory action will be taken against any establishment that fails to comply with the laws and rules.