Leave your home only for essential trips. This will help protect us all from COVID-19.
Food & Lodging Program
COVID-19 Guidance for Food and Lodging Businesses
The Food and Lodging Program works to protect Vermonters’ health and prevent disease by promoting sanitation and ensuring food safety. To accomplish this, over 6,000 restaurants, bakeries, caterers, and food processors—where food is prepared, served, processed, or stored—are licensed and regularly inspected. Lodging facilities including hotels, bed & breakfasts, and children’s camps are also regulated by the Food and Lodging Program.
Public health inspectors investigate foodborne disease outbreaks and respond to other public health emergencies throughout the state. Food and Lodging staff investigate reports from consumers including sanitation complaints, food product contamination, and suspected foodborne illness.
The Food & Lodging Program also serves as an educational resource for the public and the food service industry.
Online License Renewal
Written instructions for online license renewal
You can now renew your license online using a credit card or electronic check. You'll need to set up a new account the first time you log in. You'll also need the Online Renewal Code included on your renewal notice. Watch the video below for detailed instructions on how to set up your account and renew your license online. Please note that Temporary Food Service licenses cannot be renewed online.
Call the Food & Lodging Program at 802-863-7221 if you need help with online license renewal.
Complaints, Tips and Reporting Food Poisoning
The Food and Lodging Program responds to complaints involving sanitation in food and lodging establishments, food product contamination, and suspected foodborne illness.
If you want to file a complaint, please be prepared with the following information:
- The name and address of the establishment
- Specific information regarding the nature of your complaint—describe the situation or concern as completely as possible
- Illness complaints should also include details on symptoms experienced including time and date, whether you sought medical attention, and what foods were eaten in the three days prior to experiencing symptoms
- Date and time you visited the establishment
- Include contact information if you would like a response or need to be asked for more information
Complaints with insufficient information may not be evaluated for follow-up.
Complaints about rental housing should be directed to your local Town Health Officer.
Note: Complaint information provided may be considered public record and subject to disclosure upon request.
Note: You may omit your name if you wish to remain anonymous for sanitation complaints. Illness complaints require contact information.
Complaint Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request an opening inspection? First submit the application and license fees to the central office, then a public health inspector will contact you to schedule an opening inspection.
Who is my health inspector? Use this map to find the public health inspector in your area.
Which license do I need? Use the Guide to Opening a Food or Lodging Establishment to help determine which license(s) are appropriate.
Do I need to submit plans for review? A plan review is required for new construction and for significant renovations. There is no fee for the plan review.
How long does it take to get a license? You should apply at least 30 days before you plan to open your business, especially if you require a preliminary inspection.
My license has expired. Why can’t I renew it online? If your license has been expired for more than 60 days, a new application is required. You cannot renew online.
Contact Information
Food & Lodging Program
108 Cherry St., PO Box 70
Burlington, VT 05402-0070
Phone: 802-863-7221 or
800-439-8550 (toll-free within VT)
Fax: 802-863-7483
Use this Public Health Inspector District Map to find contact details for the inspector in your area.
In This Section
Retail food establishments include restaurants, catering companies, food trucks and push carts, as well as seafood vendors and limited operation establishments.
Establishments that process food—such as sauces, salsa, salad dressings, candies, chocolates, jams and jellies, etc.—for retail or wholesale markets, as well as food warehouses and distribution centers, must apply for a food processor license.
Establishments that offer lodging to the traveling, transient public must apply for a Health Department lodging license.
Through this web portal, you can learn more about the inspection process and view recent inspection reports for food and lodging establishments throughout Vermont.
A temporary food service establishment is a food and/or beverage stand that is disassembled and moved from location to location.
Health Department regulations allow some small businesses to operate in a primary residence using standard home equipment.
Search here for free food safety resources for our license holders.
Each year an estimated 48 million cases of foodborne illness occur in the U.S.—the equivalent of one in six Americans.