The health district inspects and licenses over 400 food establishments, many of which are inspected multiple times per year. The main purpose of our inspection program is to ensure food safety and to prevent the occurrence of food borne illness in our communities. Special attention is given to safe food practices, prevention of food contamination and food temperature control.

On July 1, 2018, ESDHD began transitioning to the FDA Food Code, which the State of Connecticut adopted in 2017, requirement date for the full transition is To Be Determined. The FDA Food Code is presently being reviewed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health Food Protection Program so that local health departments can properly administer the proposed changes.

The FDA Food Code is a unified code that combines regulations for food service establishments, food stores, mobile (itinerant) vendors, caterers, and food delivery operations into a single code. It is a more scientific approach to conducting a better (more educated) inspection and better addresses the true causes of injury and morbidity caused by food poisoning.

Until the FDA food code is fully enacted, scores will temporarily be available only in-person at the health department.