Food & Lodging Program | Vermont Department of Health

In this section:

On July 1, the Health Department adopted the Manufactured Food Emergency Rule to align with Act 42 (2025). Act 42 changes the requirements for claiming a licensing exemption for certain types of small food processors. Read about the changes for license exempt food processors and cottage food operators.

What the Food and Lodging Program Does

The Food and Lodging Program works to protect health and prevent disease by promoting sanitation and food safety. To accomplish this, we license and inspect over 6,000 places where food is prepared, served, processed, or stored. We also regulate lodging facilities including hotels, bed & breakfasts, and children’s camps.

How to Get a License From the Health Department

Your first step is to determine which type of license you need. Once you know which type of license you need, click on the link below and follow the steps on that web page.

Retail service - If you're licensing a restaurant, commercial catering business, food truck, pushcart, retail bakery, limited operation, seafood vending or shellfish reshipping/repacking business.
Food processing - If you're licensing a manufacturing facility to make products like salsa, sauce, salad dressing, coffee, beverages, snacks, candy, chocolate, condiments, jam and jelly, etc. Warehouses and distribution centers also need this type of license.
Lodging - If you're licensing a hotel, motel, tourist home or B&B that offers three or more guest rooms OR fewer units if you also prepare food.
Home-based food business - If you want to sell certain allowable home-prepared foods to customers.
Temporary food service - If you’re licensing a temporary stand to sell prepared food at a farmers market, fair or other special event.

In rare cases, a license is not required. Learn more about license exemptions

The appeal process for a licensing decision can be found in the Statement of Procedural Rights.

How to Renew Your Food or Lodging License

Renew Your Food or Lodging License Online

Instructions on how to renew your license online

Read the instructions for online license renewal

You can now renew your license online using a credit card or debit card. You'll need to set up a new account the first time you log in. You'll also need the Business 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.

Call the Food & Lodging Program at 802-863-7221 if you need help with online license renewal.

How to Report Food Poisoning or File a Complaint

Report Food Poisoning File a Sanitation Complaint

Instructions on how to report food poisoning or file a complaint about a food or lodging business

The Food and Lodging Program responds to complaints involving sanitation in food and lodging establishments, food product contamination, and suspected food poisoning.

If you want to file a report or a complaint, please be prepared with the following information. We may not be able to follow up on complaints with insufficient information.

The name and address of the establishment
Date and time you visited the establishment
Specific complaint details—describe the issue as completely as possible
Food poisoning complaints should also include details on symptoms experienced including time and date, duration of symptoms, whether you sought medical attention, and what foods were eaten in the three days prior to experiencing symptoms

Complaints are triaged and follow-up is scheduled according to public health risk.

Note: Complaint information provided may be considered public record and subject to disclosure upon request. Complaints may be submitted anonymously, but it can be difficult to follow up on complaints without any contact information if additional information is needed.

The Food & Lodging Program can follow up on concerns within our jurisdiction. For other areas:

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) manages consumer complaints for FDA-regulated products including human food, animal food, dietary supplements, drugs, devices, cosmetics, tobacco and biologics. Concerns about human foods manufactured outside of Vermont should be reported to the FDA. Consumer complaints can be reported at the FDA SmartHub or at 1-888-INFO-FDA.

Rental housing concerns should be reported to the Department of Public Safety Division of Fire Safety.

Senior residential community (assisted living, nursing home) concerns should be reported to the Vermont Agency of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL) at 802-241-2401.

Dairy and meat product concerns should be reported to the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets at 802-828-2426 or online.

Note: The Food & Lodging Program is not able to assist in obtaining a refund from a food or lodging establishment based on a complaint.

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 the map to find a 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 120 days, a new application is required. You cannot renew online.

More Information

https://www.foodsafety.gov/