Pennsylvania Food Safety Compliance

Everything food businesses need to know about compliance in Pennsylvania. Covers Pennsylvania Food Code (7 Pa. Code Chapter 46).

Adopted from

FDA Food Code

HACCP required

Yes

Food handler card

Not required

Inspection frequency

Risk-based

Permit cost

$100-$500

Pennsylvania Health Department

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

1-717-787-4315

Contact your local health department for specific permit applications and inspection scheduling.

Common violations in Pennsylvania

  1. Improper holding temperatures
  2. Inadequate handwashing
  3. Cross-contamination risks
  4. Missing certified food manager
  5. Improper food storage

PassMyKitchen helps you avoid these violations by tracking your daily compliance tasks and maintaining inspection-ready records.

Top cities for food businesses in Pennsylvania

PhiladelphiaPittsburghAllentownErieReading

Frequently asked questions about Pennsylvania food safety

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture regulates food safety for most of the state. Philadelphia has its own health department that handles food inspections and permits within city limits.

Pennsylvania does not have a statewide food handler card requirement. However, Philadelphia requires food handler certifications. A Certified Food Protection Manager is required statewide.

Pennsylvania uses a risk-based inspection schedule. Most food establishments are inspected 1 to 2 times per year. Philadelphia inspects restaurants on a more frequent schedule.

Ready to get compliant in Pennsylvania?

PassMyKitchen generates a custom HACCP plan based on Pennsylvania Food Code (7 Pa. Code Chapter 46). Set up in 3 minutes.