FOOD PERMITS AND FOOD SAFETY

Food plays a large role at many events, and is often a major factor in attendance. Unfortunately, food that is not properly prepared, stored or served may cause major headaches for event sponsors, and other illnesses for guests. Fortunately, Stony Brook University has resources available to assist you with proper handling and serving of food. In addition, some events may require a Temporary Food Permit issued by the Suffolk County Health Department. Environmental Health & Safety provides information on preparing and serving food, in addition to information about required permits.

• Need help choosing a food permit?

  Food Permit Selection Chart
  Instructions: Choose the column that describes your event. Read column(s) downward.
  

  Choose Event Type	On/Off Campus	Food Permit Determination
  Private event (private group or SBU dept./group)	On campus food provider (i.e., campus food services)	No EH&S food permit required
  	Off campus food provider (i.e., off premises caterer or restaurant)	No EH&S food permit required
  Campus community event (open to campus community and INVITED guests only)	On campus food provider (i.e., campus food services)	No EH&S food permit required
  	Off campus food provider (i.e., off premises caterer or restaurant)	EH&S food permit required
  Public event (open to general public)	On campus food provider (i.e., campus food services)	No EH&S food permit required
  	Off campus food provider (i.e., off premises caterer or restaurant)	SCDHS food permit required

   Please note that external food providers who are heating up and/or serving food are required to have an “Off Premise Catering Permit” issued by SCDHS.

• Food permits

  Food permits must be completed at least 10 days prior to your event. Public events require at least 21 days to avoid any additional fees.

  • Campus community food permit
  • Public event notification form
  • Temporary event vendor application
  • Temporary event organizer application
  • Food temperature recording chart
    
    
• Food safety policy

  View the Food Safety Policy.

• Additional food safety information
  • The Department of Environmental Health & Safety can approve  food permits for specific events at Stony Brook University. However, please keep in mind that food permits must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.
  • Call (631) 632-6410 for questions.
  • Any student groups wishing to receive food safety training prior to their event or for any other questions should contact ehsafety@stonybrook.edu.
  • Related websites
    • https://www.foodsafety.gov/
    • https://www.usda.gov/
    • https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/