This is to alert you that the Health Inspection Program recently received a complaint about an individual showing up at a restaurant to conduct an inspection. In the past, we have also received complaints regarding an individual calling restaurants claiming to be a health inspector. The individual states that the restaurant owner must provide a credit card number to pay for the inspection.

These individuals do not represent the State's Health Inspection Program. Please do not send any money or provide credit card information. The State's Health Inspection Program would never call to ask you for your credit card information.

Please refer to the staff link for names of the Health Inspection Program staff. Do not allow anyone without proper identification to enter into your establishment to conduct a food inspection, nor provide or confirm personal information to anyone on the phone or in person asserting to be from the State health department.

Please immediately call your local police department if you suspect that a person is acting fraudulently.

Effective October 10, 2018, the Administration and Enforcement of Establishments Regulated by the Health Inspection Program, 10-144 CMR Ch.201 has been adopted. You can access the complete rule and related rulemaking documents by going to the Maine CDC Rules webpage.

Every eating establishment, with some exemptions, must employ or engage a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). This requirement was adopted in the Rules Relating to the Administration and Enforcement of Establishments Regulated by the Health Inspection Program amended October 10, 2018. A valid CFPM certificate must be included with the license application for all new establishments and changes of ownership. This requirement is in addition to all other CFPM requirements in the Maine Food Code. A CFPM must be hired within 60 days of the departure of the last CFPM leaving employment. Eating establishments must post the CFPM certificates in a conspicuous area and the certificate must be made available to the Department upon request. Learn more about our CFPM Courses (PDF).

Undeclared allergens are the leading cause of food recalls initiated by the FDA. The agency recently posted an article for consumers that describes which foods are most often affected and the allergens that are involved. See our selection of food allergies trainings.

The Health Inspection Program received a call regarding a business advertising and selling business license compliance packages that include the Health Inspection Program’s License Application. These packages were being sold for $149.99.

There are businesses that provide services such as compiling forms and filing business license applications for their clients that are required by state, county, city and municipal government agencies. There is a fee associated with these services.

Please be aware that if you wish to fill out the applications on your own, they are free and can be downloaded from our Forms and Applications page, or you may call our offices at 207-287-5671 and we will mail or email you a copy.

To file a complaint, report a foodborne illness, or inquire about a Health Inspection Program-licensed establishment, please call our main number at 207-287-5671 during business hours. Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm excluding holidays. For emergency after hours calls please call 1-800-821-5821.

You may download these guidelines (Word) for use when choosing a residential or day camp in Maine.

You may download this handout (Word) for use when opening your facility for the season.

Although the Health Inspection Program does not regulate henna tattoos as they are temporary tattoos, there are health concerns that we would like to make you aware of from the FDA.

Temporary Tattoos, Henna/Mehndi, and "Black Henna": Fact Sheet

The ADA Information Line 

2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

The Health Inspection Program has prepared a series of questions and answers to assist those who are interested in starting a restaurant, bed and breakfast, hotel, tattoo parlor, or other facility licensed by the Program. Learn more.

This policy is written to specify the minimum construction standards and maximum tank liquid capacity for portable wastewater holding tanks used at campgrounds and mobile food takeout facilities (Word) without access to a direct sewer connection. This policy will include all campgrounds and mobile food takeout facilities licensed by the Health Inspection Program.

Emergency Consultation and Disease Reporting hotline.

For emergencies please call 1-800-821-5821.

In response to legislation that was passed and reflected in Title 22 §2501 which states "Private homes are not deemed or considered lodging places and subject to a license when not more than 5 rooms are let…" the Department wants to clarify that your B&B establishment 5 rooms or less kitchen is still regulated as an eating place by the Department of Health and Human Services as you are preparing and serving a breakfast meal. The lodging piece of your establishment is not inspected by the Department however, a license and inspection is required for eating establishments per Title 22 Chapter 562 §2492.

Information about the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is available at www.cpsc.gov/.

• Install drain covers that meet the ANSI/ASME A112.19.8–2007 standard on EVERY drain/ grate. NSF Product and Service listings can be found at info.nsf.org/Certified/Pools/Listings.asp?ProductType=ASME1908&
• Install an automatic shut-off system, gravity drainage system, Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), suction-limiting vent system, if the pool operates off of a SINGLE main drain. Pools and spas with unblockable drains are exempt from this requirement.
• Ensure that dual or multiple main drains are at least 3 feet apart.
• Check with your pool professional to assist you in choosing the correct system for your pool.