Food Safety & Food Licensing

Food Safety & Inspection

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year roughly 1 out of 6 Americans (or 48 million people) get sick; 128,000 are hospitalized; and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases. These illnesses and deaths cost Americans billions of dollars each year due to medical expenses and loss of productivity.

The Environmental Health Division licenses and inspects over 1,200 food service establishments within Washtenaw County. The purpose of conducting these inspections is to ensure that safe food is being served to the public.

2023 Food License Renewals

The 2022-23 food service licenses expired on April 30, 2023. We mailed out license renewal applications in late March. If you have not received your renewal application, or if you have questions or concerns, please contact our office at [email protected] or 734-222-3800. 

Food service licensing fees did not increase for the 2023-24 license. We chose not to adjust fees to the consumer price index (CPI), which would have been a 6.2% increase.  

Based on feedback from food service facilities and staff, our late fee structure has been updated. There is now a one week “grace period” after the renewal applications are due. After the grace period, late applications are subject to a $100 per week late fee and further administrative action.   

  • Late fee example: In 2023, May 1 is on a Monday. There is no late fee through Sunday, May 7, 2023. On Monday, May 8, 2023, the late fee is $100. On Monday, May 15, 2023, the late fee is $200. The late fee continues to increase by $100 each Monday. The late fee is in addition to the license fee.

New resource: Mpox (previously known as "monkeypox") and Food Service Workers

Food Service Laws & Regulations

Emergency Action Plans for Retail Food Establishments

Michigan Food Law of 2000 (PDF)

Michigan Modified Food Code (PDF)

Michigan Cottage Food Law

Michigan Smoke-free Indoor Air Law

Washtenaw County Food Code Enforcement Procedures (PDF)