Retail Food Protection

A Cooperative Program

More than 3,000 state, local and tribal agencies have primary responsibility to regulate the retail food and foodservice industries in the United States. They are responsible for the inspection and oversight of over 1 million food establishments - restaurants and grocery stores, as well as vending machines, cafeterias, and other outlets in health-care facilities, schools, and correctional facilities.

FDA strives to promote the application of science-based food safety principles in retail and foodservice settings to minimize the incidence of foodborne illness.

FDA assists regulatory agencies and the industries they regulate by providing a model Food Code, scientifically-based guidance, training, program evaluation, and technical assistance.

In this section:

• FDA Food Code
• Food Code Reference System
• Standardization of Retail Food Safety Inspection Personnel
• Foodborne Illness & Risk Factor Reduction
• Food Defense & Emergency Response for Retail Food
• Industry and Regulatory Assistance and Training Resources
• Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards
• Retail Food Safety Initiative

Spotlight

• FDA Issues 2024 Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards
• Webinar on Allergen Labeling for Retail Food Stores and Food Service Establishments (December 18, 2024)
• FDA Releases Supplement to the 2022 Food Code
• FDA Employee Health Policy Tool
• Addition to the 2022 Food Code - Sesame added as a Major Food
• FDA and CDC Partner to Reduce Foodborne Illness in Retail and Foodservice Establishments
• Retail Food Safety Association Collaborative
• Allergen Removal and Transfer Using Wiping and Cleaning Methods in Retail Food Establishments
• 5 Tips to Consider When Preparing Recommendations for Changes to Retail Food Policy
• Food Code Reference System
• Risk Assessment of Norovirus Transmission in Food Establishments

Most Popular

• Listing of Retail Food Protection Information and Resources
• Risk Assessment: Listeria monocytogenes in Retail Delicatessens
• Retail Food Risk Factor Studies
• Retail Food Protection Industry Educational Materials - Posters
• Retail Food Protection Industry Educational Materials - Videos
• Employee Health and Personal Hygiene Handbook

Contact FDA

Outreach and Information Center
1-888-SAFEFOOD
1-888-723-3366
10 AM- 4 PM EST
Closed Thurs 12:30PM - 1:30PM EST

Inquiries: Submit Your Question

Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
Food and Drug Administration
5001 Campus Drive
College Park, MD 20740

Industry and Consumer Assistance