What is the Washington DC Food Code?

The Washington DC Food Code, codified under Title 25-A of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR), establishes local food safety and sanitation standards. Enforced by DC Health, it is heavily based on the FDA Model Food Code.

What are the rules for the DC Cottage Food Program?

The DC Cottage Food Program allows home-based food businesses to prepare and package non-hazardous, shelf-stable items (such as baked goods, jams, and spice blends) within residential kitchens. Annual gross sales are legally capped at $25,000, and operators must register and obtain a certificate from DC Health.

Does DC mandate Certified Food Protection Managers (CFPM)?

Yes, under Title 25-A DCMR, food establishments in the District of Columbia must employ at least one full-time Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) who holds an accredited certificate and is registered on-site during all hours of food operation.

US Territories: Washington DC

Washington DC Food Regulations

Your centralized portal for municipal compliance directories in the District of Columbia. Confirm Title 25-A DCMR rules, the critical DC Cottage Food regulations, and local straw/packaging bans.

View Active Laws Check My DC Business Requirements

Capital City Regulatory Base

The District of Columbia enforces strict municipal environmental, food safety, and allergen disclosure guidelines across DC Health divisions.

$25k Cap DC Cottage Food Limit

Title 25-A District Food Code

Active Directories

Active Washington DC Statutes

District Code

Title 25-A DCMR (DC Food Code)

DC Health Standards

Establishes comprehensive local food safety and sanitary guidelines, outlining permits, inspector access schedules, hot/cold food temperature holds, and plumbing parameters for all retail food operations in DC.

See DC Health Guidelines

Home Processing

DC Cottage Food Rules

Residential Production

Allows home-based businesses in DC to prepare non-TCS baked goods, dry spices, and jams in residential kitchens. Limits annual gross sales to $25,000, and requires explicit registration and labeling.

View DC Cottage Rules

Environmental Mandate

DC Straw & Food Container Bans

Packaging Restrictions

Restricts food service establishments in the District of Columbia from using expanded polystyrene foam packaging and requires that single-use straws and utensils be provided only upon customer request.

Official DC DOEE Site

Find out which DC regulations apply to you

Toggle your business parameters below to identify exactly which Washington DC food regulations apply to your current operations.

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Operations Structure

We prepare and package grab-and-go foods on-site We use single-use straws or expanded polystyrene containers We prepare made-to-order meals for customers in a sit-down dining setting We operate food services within central DC government or public school limits

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Washington DC Compliance Dashboard

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Help with Washington DC Compliance

We can answer compliance questions or support with allergen management systems but nothing outside of that.

Reach out at hello@food-regulations.org

Food Regulations

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