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1. Can I sell food I prepare at home, such as cupcakes?

No. Food prepared at a kitchen in a private home may not be sold to the public. Food product sold to the public must come from a licensed retail food establishment that is inspected by the local health authority or, in the case of wholesale / distributed foods, by the State Health Department.

2. I am planning a one day or multi-day event, in which food is going to be sold or given to the public. Do I need to obtain a food license?

Yes. A temporary retail food license is necessary for any event where food is sold or otherwise made available to the public. An application must be obtained from the Division of Health, completed and remitted with the appropriate fee. This license, once approved, will be usable for a period of up to 3 days. A temporary food event application may be printed directly from the town’s website.

3. I am thinking of opening a restaurant. How do I obtain for a retail food license?

To serve food to the public in Rockaway Township, you must first complete an application to operate a retail food establishment, and the application must be accompanied by professionally prepared plans. The plans must include the proposed layout, and all mechanical components, materials and finishes to be provided.

Applicants must also provide all equipment specifications, the name of the exterminator that will be providing monthly service, plus evidence any State-mandated food handler / manager training that is required, depending on the type of food establishment. Applicants also must advise the Division of Health of the restaurant’s water source (i.e., private well / public) and the type of sewage disposal system that will be used, in the event a septic design must be submitted and reviewed along with the application.

Per N.J.A.C. 8:24, the State’s retail food code, the Division of Health then has 30 days to review the application. If the application and accompanying plans are in compliance with code and if any other necessary approvals are obtained from other Township departments (i.e., Planning, Zoning, Construction), approval will be granted by the Division of Health. Approximately 2 weeks prior to opening, the Division of Health must be contacted to schedule a preopening inspection.

4. I have a septic system and have heard a repair could be expensive. What can I do to maintain my septic?

To help assure that your septic system doesn’t malfunction and require expensive repair or alteration, be very careful what goes into it. Don’t pour cooking oils, fats, greases, toxic substances or non-biodegradable items down drains, sinks or toilets. Avoid using multiple water sources at once, such as the shower, laundry and/or dishwasher. Don’t drive vehicles over the septic disposal field, and don’t construct or install accessory structures that may encroach upon the septic system. Perhaps most importantly, please remember to pump your septic tank regularly. For a family of four, it is recommended that you have a professional septic pumping company service your septic tank a minimum of once every 3 years.

5. I’m concerned about the quality of my water and I have a private well. How may I have my well sampled?

Safe potable drinking water is extremely important, and many of Rockaway Township’s residents derive their drinking water from private wells located on their property. It is ultimately the responsibility of homeowners to contact a certified laboratory if they wish to have private well water tested. The Division of Health will be happy to help interpret your water quality results, and can provide information if any results exceed standards. Please contact the Division of Health Office at 973-983-2848 if you have questions about your private well.