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Retail Food Establishments

A retail food establishment is an operation that sells or offers food directly to a consumer such as a grocery or convenient store. A retail food establishment that includes a defined food service section must undergo a plan review. This applies to food service offerings, such as, but not limited to:

  • To-go sandwiches
  • Foods or drinks made to order (e.g., coffee, smoothies)
  • Hot foods (e.g., pizza, soups or prepared meals)

The Food Law does not consider a traditional deli (an area offering cold cuts and cheeses by weight, premade salads and sandwiches, and sometimes hot held foods) located within a retail grocery as a food service establishment, unless the deli provides seating. Please reference the MDARD Plan Review Specialist Regional Map and Contact Information document below to find your area plan review specialist who can provide additional information and guidance. Determining whether a retail establishment requires a plan review is not always clear. Consultation with your plan review specialist can assist in making a final determination.

The following are guidance documents for the plan review process.

MDARD Mailing Instructions (Fillable PDF)

MDARD Plan Review Specialist Regional Map and Contact Information (PDF)