The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
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)
- Plan Review Submission Instructions: Plan review process and instructions based on food establishment type.
- Plan Review Reference Manual: Manual to assist uniformity in the plan review process by providing technical assistance for design professionals, owners and others in the preparation of food service plans and completion of the plan review worksheet.
- Plan Review Application (Microsoft Word); (Fillable PDF)
- Plan Review Worksheet (Microsoft Word); (Fillable PDF)
- Standard Operating Procedures Manual: Frequently asked questions and guideline templates for writing a standard operating procedure