Why does the Tennessee Department of Agriculture inspect Retail Food Stores?

Tennessee Laws mandates that the Tennessee Department of Agriculture inspect all Retail Food Stores along with Food Service Establishments located within Retail Food Stores.  Additionally, Food Manufacturing Establishments, Food Warehouses, Dairy Processing Facilities, and Farm Dairies are inspected by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.  Restaurants are inspected by the Tennessee Department of Health.

What am I required to do in order to open a Retail food store in Tennessee?

If you are opening a new facility, you are required to submit facility layout plans for approval.  After the plans are approved, an inspector may conduct a “walk through consultation” before permitting to assure that all the minimum standards have been met.  When the facility is in compliance with our rules and regulations, an application for a Retail Food Store Permit will be issued.

What am I required to do in order to buy an existing Retail Food Store?

Notify the Tennessee Department of Agriculture by calling 615-837-5193.  After you have notified the Department, an inspector will conduct a facility inspection to verify compliance with the rules and regulations.  If the facility is in compliance with state standards, an application for a permit will be issued.

What am I required to do in order to add food services to my existing Retail Food Store?

Any time you make a change in you services, you are required to notify the Tennessee Department of Agriculture and submit plans that detail the changes.  An inspector will visit the store, confirm that all the necessary equipment is in place per our rules and regulations, and issue an upgrade application for you facility if necessary.

Where can I find a copy of the Rules and Regulations for a Retail Food Store?

The Rules of Sanitation for a Retail Food Store can be accessed by linking on to the Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture’s web site at:

http://www.state.tn.us/agriculture/regulate/food/index.html . 

How do I file a consumer complaint?

You can file a consumer complaint by calling 1-800-628-2631.

How do I check the score on the last inspection of a retail store?

Scores are available on the internet at the Tennessee Department of Agriculture web site:

http://www.state.tn.us/agriculture/regulate/food/index.html .

How does a Retail Food Store apply for accepting Food Stamps?

You may call 1-877-823-4369 and request an application. 

How do I find the requirements for selling tobacco products at a Retail Food Store?

You may call 615-741-1602 and ask for the tobacco division.

How often are Retail Food Stores inspected?

Retail Food Stores are required by law to be inspected two times per year but may be inspected more frequently if conditions warrant.

How do I renew my Retail Food Store permit?

Permits are issued July 1st each year and expire June 30th of the following year.  Renewal applications will be mailed to the facilities in June of each year.  Applications must be returned promptly along with complete payment to avoid late fees.