Food Sales & Distribution Guidelines
General Q&A for NJIT's Food Sales & Distribution Guidelines
General Policy and Compliance
These guidelines align with the City of Newark’s health and safety regulations, which are designed to ensure public health and safe food handling at events. The University has worked closely with the Newark Health Department to understand and implement their food sales and distribution requirements.
Yes, the guidelines apply to all NJIT facilities located within Newark, NJ, including off-campus locations. The City of Newark’s Food Handler’s Ordinance requires all individuals handling, preparing, or serving food to obtain a valid food handler’s permit.
Gourmet Dining (GD) must approve any outside food served at an NJIT event. Once GD grants approval, food may be purchased from an external vendor, provided that at least one individual with a valid Food Handler’s Certification is present at the event. If food is ordered directly through GD, a Food Handler’s Certification is not required.
Food Handler’s Certification & Training
At least one certified individual must be present at any event where food is being served (excluding prepackaged, non-TCS foods). The City of Newark accepts certifications from the following organizations:
- ServSafe (www.servsafe.com)
- National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (www.nrfsp.com)
- Thompson Prometric (www.prometric.com/foodsafety)
No, you are not required to use your NJIT email, but the certification must include your full name.
Only one certified individual must be present at events where food is served. That individual must be present for the duration of the event. Anyone without the certification may not serve food items.
Yes, student organizations may use their budgets to cover the cost of certification if funds are available. OSIL is working on ways to make Food Handler’s Certification more accessible and will provide guidance to student organizations on complying with the new guidelines.
No, NJIT does not offer its own training. Individuals must obtain certification through an approved provider such as ServSafe.
Homemade Foods & Potlucks
No, homemade foods, including baked goods and potluck-style contributions, are not permitted, even if a Food Handler’s Certification is present. This restriction ensures all food served at events meets safety standards and comes from licensed, inspected facilities.
Yes, these guidelines apply to organized events and food distribution, not personal food exchanges between individuals. If food is gifted or shared privately and aligns with ethics guidelines, it is not subject to these rules.
More Information
For additional information, please visit the Food Sales and Distribution policy page available online at www.njit.edu/foodsales or contact Newark’s Food and Drug Bureau at (973) 733-3734 or online https://www.newarknj.gov/card/food-and-drug-bureau.
- Students & Student Organizations should contact the Office of Student Involvement & Leadership at osil@njit.edu or (973) 596-3694.
- Residence Life staff and groups affiliated with Residence Life should contact reslife@njit.edu or call (973)-596-5347.
- Faculty and Staff should contact Human Resources at hr@njit.edu or call (973) 596-3140.
