Food Service

Retail Food

Chef cooking at a stove. Promote proper food handling practices.
Inspections are conducted by the Board of Health to ensure that food and milk sold in Town is wholesome, free from adulteration, properly labeled and safe for human consumption. The Board also inspects establishments that offer food products for sale to the public, to ensure that they are maintained safely, in compliance with the Sanitary Code.
Governor Signs Supplemental State Budget Extending Outdoor Dining, To-Go Alcoholic Beverages

Baker signed into law substantial portions of H.4578, An Act Making Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2022 to Provide for Supplementing Certain Existing Appropriations and for Certain Other Activities and Projects, a $1.6 billion supplemental budget for the current fiscal year.

Per the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA), the legislation included a one-year extension of rules for expanded outdoor dining and takeout cocktails. An executive order issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 allowed municipalities to use an expedited process to approve temporary permits for new or expanded outdoor dining and alcohol service. Those rules were due to expire on April 1st of this year, but are now extended through April 1st, 2023.

The law also extends an emergency provision allowing restaurants to sell beer, wine and cocktails to go. That provision was due to expire on May 1st, 2033, but is now continued through April 1st, 2023.

The legislation also included $100 million in winter road recovery funds may be used for the rehabilitation, reconstruction, resurfacing or preservation of local roads. The funds may also be used to repair or replace traffic control devices, signage, guardrails, and storm grates, as well as road striping or painting.

Polystyrene Reduction By-Law - EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2020

Dear Food Establishment:

A Polystyrene Reduction Bylaw was adopted at a Special Town Meeting on October 22, 2018. This bylaw will go into effect on January 1, 2020.

In summary, this bylaw is to promote safe, reusable, and sustainable alternatives. It will also enhance both public and environmental health and reduce waste management issues.

Please reference the Polystyrene Reduction By-Law Flier under "Resources" at the bottom of this page. 

MASSACHUSETTS RETAIL FOOD CODE
The adoption of the 2013 Federal Food Code went into effect on October 5, 2018. 

Learn about the new Retail Food Code and see its supporting documentation at: Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH).

Please reference the Food Code Guidance document under "Resources" at the bottom of this page.

Town of Shrewsbury Plastic Bag Reduction By-Law - Effective July 1, 2017


To: Retail and Other Business Establishments:
In May of 2017, the Town Meeting adopted a new by-law that bans certain plastic carry-out bags effective July 1, 2017.
Reference the Plastic Bag Reduction By-Law Flier under "Resources" at the bottom of this page.

Cooking Appliances under Tents, Canopies, and other Temporary Structures.
Please click Memorandum from the State Fire Marshal for information.

Resources

  1. Polystyrene Reduction Ban By-law Brochure (PDF)
  2. Plastic Bag Reduction By-law flier (PDF)
  1. Food Code Guidance (PDF)