Catering Businesses | Environmental Health | Riverside County

Department of Environmental Health, County of Riverside, Catering Businesses

Catering Businesses and Host Facilities

If you already own and operate a restaurant approved for food preparation, you may expand your operation to include catering with no additional fees or permit requirements. However, it is necessary to review and discuss the operational aspects of your catering operation with your Environmental Health Specialist (EHS) to ensure food safety standards are maintained.

Food Facility Quick Links

Food Facility Grading

Food Safety Guidance Documents to Keep You Safe

Procedures in the Event of a Disaster or Emergency: English | Spanish
Food Safety During Rolling Blackouts
Food Expiration Dates: English | Spanish
Juicing Regulations & Requirements
Menu Labeling: English | Spanish
Animals in Food Facilities: English | Spanish
Animal Slaughtering: English | Spanish
Pet Dogs in Outdoor Dining Areas: English | Spanish
Rapid Cooling: English | Spanish
Handwashing: English | Spanish
Dishwashing Sanitizing: English | Spanish
In-Place Sanitization
Thermometers: English | Spanish
Major Food Allergens: English | Spanish
Time as a Public Health Control: English | Spanish
Cockroach Control
Ice, the Forgotten Food: English | Spanish
Temporary Buffets
Vertical Broilers: English | Spanish
Closure for Cockroach Infestation: English | Spanish
Reopening a Food Facility After Extended Closure: English | Spanish
Requirements for Breakfast Service at Hotels: English | Spanish
Culinary Gardens: English | Spanish
Sales of Prepackaged Food From Home: English | Spanish
Open-Air BBQ’s, Smokers and Wood-burning Ovens: English | Spanish

Foodborne Illness

Common Food Poisonings: English | Spanish
E. coli and Ground Beef
Food Worker Illness Flowchart
Norovirus
Hepatitis A: English | Spanish
Raw Oyster Warning
Salmonella and Eggs: English | Spanish

Food Handler Quick Links

Shared Kitchen Caterer: A catering business that sublets space from an already permitted kitchen.
Independent Caterer: A catering business that operates solely as a catering kitchen under a caterer’s permit.

*If you are starting a new Independent Catering Business, plan submittal may be required.
Please visit our PLAN CHECK page for more information.

Interested in Starting a Catering Business?

Before starting your catering business, complete the following documents, and contact your local area office to make an appointment for an inspection with an EHS.

Application to Operate a Food Facility

Shared Kitchen Agreement Form

Catering Operation Permitting Form

The following documents will also be required during your inspection:

Business card or photo of business sign

Valid registration for catering vehicle

Valid Driver’s License

Food Manager’s Certification

Food Handlers Certificates for all employees

*The above listed documents are required to be completed for initial permitting inspection, and for annual renewal inspection.

Host Facilities

Breweries, wineries, commercial buildings, and other approved locations that meet infrastructure and operational requirements can become a Host Facility for permitted caterers. This permit allows caterers to serve food with limited preparation at a Host Facility for 4 hours within a 12-hour time period.

Interested in Becoming a Host Facility?

Before you begin operating as a Host Facility, please read this document in English or in Spanish for details. Please visit our PLAN CHECK page for more information.

Host Facility Permitting Form