Food Protection/Food Service Establishments
The Ridgefield Health Department issues food establishment licenses and inspects all food establishments in town in accordance with local ordinances, state, and federal regulations. Our department also reviews plans for new and remodeled food establishments, investigates complaints and conducts food borne illness investigations.
Regulations
On February 17, 2023, the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies were amended by adding Sections 19a-36h-1 to 19a-36h-7. The primary purpose of this regulation was to implement the United States Food and Drug Administration’s Food Code (the “Food Code”), as amended from time to time, and any Food Code Supplements, published by the United States Food and Drug Administration, and implement the requirements outlined in sections 19a-36g through 19a-36m, inclusive, of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Adoption of the Food Code was done to align Connecticut with the majority of other states that have moved towards a national, uniform regulatory system that provides a scientific foundation and legal framework for regulating the foodservice industry. Adoption of the Food Code will provide consistency with federal performance standards currently established and implemented in Connecticut, as well as consistency with foodservice industry practices.
The FDA recognizes the need for individualized state requirements governing inspections, waivers, certification of inspectors and permitting or licensing of food establishments, ensuring the safe handling of food and enforcement of the Food Code. Thus, in addition to adopting the Food Code this regulation is necessary to implement Connecticut’s individualized requirements. Additionally, the regulation repeals sections 19-13-B40, 19-13-B42, 19- 13-B48, 19-13-B49, which are outdated and in conflict with the current requirements of the Food Code and these regulations.
Food Service Establishment Application
To apply to build a new or remodel a food service establishment, you must submit a "Food Service Establishment Plan Review", as per Ridgefield's Sec. 7-14 Foodservice Establishment Ordinance. The applicant must create the online application and attach a hard copy of the FSE Plan review. Click here for the hard copy that must be filled out, hand signed and uploaded to the online application, which the applicant creates here, using the email and password once registered.
Food License Renewal and New
Licenses are valid for the calendar year and expire on December 31st. Licenses are not transferable.
In November, a renewal email will be sent to all existing Food Service license holders based on emails registered in the prior year's online application. If you do not receive a renewal email, contact the health department at 203-431-2745 to advise your new email.
If you are a new establishment, contact the health department at 203-431-2745 to get obtain information on how to apply for a new Food Service License.
All grease trap receipts are to be sent to the health department two weeks after cleaning, as per Ridgefield ordinance. Don't wait until the last minute!
Reminder - End of year preparation includes:
- Ensure all food preparation certifications are up-to-date and valid (designation should include classification of 'Manager'). Valid certificates are: ServSafe, National Registry/QFO and ProMetric
- Ensure receipt of all Grease trap receipts and signed Grease Trap Contracts are available to upload. Especially the 4th Quarter grease trap receipt.
Sign up as soon as possible. You must have a valid Food Service License to serve food in Ridgefield CT.
If you are a new Food Establishment, Itinerant Vendor or Temporary Food applicant looking to obtain a Food Service License, please feel free to call the health dept at 203-431-2745 or send an email at [email protected] to discuss your plans. Please note that all our applications are online.
Temporary Food Permits
Temporary permits are issued to establishments or individuals holding events where food will be served to the public for 2 weeks or less. For a temporary food permit, see the Compliance Guide for Temporary Food Permits. Click here for the hard copy that has to be filled out, hand signed and uploaded to the online application, which you create here using the email and password you've registered.
Grease Trap Information
Ridgefield WPCA -Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOG) at Food Service Establishments
The Town of Ridgefield WPCA is beginning the process of compiling information from all Food Service Establishments to ensure compliance with the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection General Permit for the Discharge of Wastewater Associated with Food Preparation Establishments.
This General permit regulates the discharge of wastewaters to a sanitary sewer from food preparation establishments that are classified as Class III or Class IV food service establishments as defined in the CT Public health code. This includes but is not limited to, restaurants, school kitchens, bars, cafes, bakeries, and church kitchens.
The General Permit requires any new regulated food preparation establishment initiating a discharge after the date of the permit issuance comply with the permit requirement immediately. All regulated food preparation establishments existing at the date of permit issuance shall comply no later than July 1, 2011.
There are three conditions that will require earlier compliance for existing Food Preparation Establishments. These are a change in ownership, a renovation of the facility or the municipality designating an area of the sewer system as a problem area.
The uncontrolled and/or inadequately controlled discharge of fats, oils and grease into municipal sanitary sewage systems have resulted in blockages within the collection system, posing hazards to public health and resulting in increased cost to the users of the system. The principle of pollution prevention is that control of a pollutant at its source is a preferred strategy.
The permit requires that establishments install either an exterior 1,000-gallon passive grease interceptor or an internal automatic grease recovery unit (AGRU) in accordance with technical requirements specified in the general permit. Kitchen fixtures and drains as specified in the general permit shall be connected to the grease interceptor or AGRU.
Pollution prevention/best management practices are also required of the permittee including quarterly inspections of the equipment and pump-outs of the passive interceptors at least every three months. Permittees are also required to keep a maintenance log on site recording all maintenance done to the passive interceptors or AGRUs.
It is the intention of the Ridgefield WPCA and the Health Department to assist all Food Service Establishments in complying with the General Permit. Should you have any questions please contact either WPCA Administrator, Diana Van Ness, at 431-2734, or Director of Health, Jennifer Zbell at 431-2747. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.
Visit the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA) for additional information.