In order to better protect Essex residents and visitors, Board of Health personnel perform routine and complaint inspections on all licensed establishments in Town. Additionally, we permit and inspect temporary food establishments (those in operation for no more than
14 consecutive days).
BEFORE APPLYING FOR A FOOD PERMIT: 
Please familiarize yourself with regulations and the fees associated with all permits and any and all food events and for all types of food establishments.
We also recommend that you look at the Board of Health meeting schedule in order to have your permits submitted in on time (two weeks prior to your event) to the Board of Health. Permits are approved at regularly scheduled meetings which occur every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. You do not have to attend the meeting. You do need to have your paperwork completed and all fees submitted with the application in order to receive approval at a regularly scheduled meeting. We suggest you leave plenty of time for your paperwork to be approved for your event so as to avoid late fees.
Due diligence by the Board of Health: It is our responsibility to the general public, whether you are opening a temporary food establishment for an event in the Town of Essex or opening a food service business needing a yearly permit, to review your application, receive the appropriate fees and inspect your food set-up prior to operation.
Due diligence by you: Your role is to provide the Board of Health with all the proper paperwork and payment in a timely fashion so that we may do our job of inspecting and assuring that the public health is protected by safe food handling including preparation and approving your food set-up, and affirming that you and your staff including all volunteers have proper oversight in basic food handling safety prior to operation.
Baked goods and items pre-packaged much be prepared in a permitted kitchen. Note that items prepared ahead of time are not exempt from a TFE permit. Payment from the general public is not a determining factor in the need for a permit. Nor is a non-profit group or volunteer group exempt from needing a TFE permit. Check with the Board of Health if you need a permit prior to your event.
Please call the Board of Health with any questions or concerns 978-768-7614.
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