All food establishments are inspected to ensure compliance with the provisions contained within the Merged Food Code. Food Protection personnel monitor food offered for consumption to ensure that it is free from adulteration, properly labeled, identifiable and manufactured at an approved source.
In an effort to explain and to simplify the permitting process for the operation of a Food Service of Retail Food establishment within the City of Worcester, please use the following checklist as a tool to guide you through the permitting process. All food related businesses require licenses or permits and inspections prior to operation.
Checklist for Food Establishments
We encourage you to submit your application ONLINE through our permit portal link below! Please complete all required fields, electronically sign and upload the appropriate documents.
Before you can submit an application for a permit or license you must create an account. Please see Signing Up, Creating a Profile & Accessing Your Information and Applying for a Permit & Paying Fees.
Food permits expire on December 31st annually!
Alternatively, you may continue to use the following applications. Include your phone number, sign, date and send along with the appropriate documents to the email address or fax number on this page.
Please Note: In an effort to support the department's initiative to go paperless, there will be a $50 Administrative Fee added to all permit and license applications that are submitted over the counter or by mail effective January 1, 2022. We encourage you to take advantage of the online permitting & license portal links above where you can apply for all permits/licenses without an added Administrative Fee.
You may also mail your application to the Housing/Health Division, however we recommend you follow up to ensure that it was received and that only copies of the original documents are mailed.
Please contact our office with any questions at 508-799-1198.
Inspectional Services
25 Meade Street
Worcester, MA 01610
Phone: 508-799-1198
Fax: 508-799-8544
Email Us
Office Hours:
Building & Zoning
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Housing & Health
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Apply for a Permit Worcester 311
