Albuquerque, a city celebrated for its vibrant culinary scene and bustling community events, has specific regulations in place to ensure food safety at temporary events and markets. Whether you’re a food vendor looking to participate in local markets, an event planner organizing a food festival, or a food truck operator wanting to serve the Albuquerque community, understanding the temporary food permit system is crucial. This guide provides essential information about food permits in Albuquerque, helping you navigate the requirements and ensure compliance.
Understanding Temporary Food Permits in Albuquerque
If you plan to distribute food to the public outside of a permanently permitted facility in Albuquerque, you will likely need a temporary food permit. These permits are designed to ensure that all food sold to the public meets safety standards, regardless of the event’s temporary nature. It’s important to note that temporary food permits are non-transferable and the specific requirements can vary based on the type of food you’re distributing and the nature of the event.
However, there are exceptions. Vendors operating under the New Mexico Homemade Food Act are exempt from needing a temporary food permit from the Environmental Health Department. Additionally, private events where food distribution is limited to non-Time/Temperature Control for Safety (non-TCS) foods, food provided by a permitted food establishment, or events with 25 or fewer participants may also be exempt. A private event is defined as one where food is served exclusively to invited guests.
Market Vendors: Your Albuquerque Food Permit Pathway
For market vendors in Albuquerque, the city offers a streamlined permitting process. The Market Food Vendor Ordinance, enacted on November 21, 2022, allows vendors to obtain a single permit to participate in multiple markets throughout the city.
A “MARKET” is defined as any temporary gathering of vendors, whether a one-time event or a recurring event, organized by a market coordinator at a single location, primarily for selling goods.
While the City-issued permit is mandatory for operating at any market, it’s important to understand that it doesn’t automatically grant you participation in every market. Vendors must still seek approval from the Market Coordinator of each market they wish to join. Essentially, a City permit is your license to operate within Albuquerque markets, but acceptance into a specific market remains at the Market Coordinator’s discretion.
Market Permit Options and Fees
Albuquerque offers several types of Market Food Establishment Permits to accommodate different vendor needs:
- Annual Market Food Establishment Permit (April 1 – March 31): $50
- Late Season Market Food Establishment Permit (October 1 – March 31): $30
- Annual Market Food Establishment Permit-Raw Milk (April 1 – March 31): $50
- Late Season Market Food Establishment Permit-Raw Milk (October 1 – March 31): $30
To secure an Annual Permit by March 31, applications should be submitted by March 15. Permit applications submitted after March 15 must be submitted at least 5 business days before you plan to start operating.
For vendors who only plan to participate in a single market for a short period (up to 14 days), a Temporary Food-Service Establishment Permit might be a suitable alternative.
Bake Sales and Lemonade Stands: Navigating the Homemade Food Act
Bake sales and lemonade stands in Albuquerque may fall under the umbrella of the Homemade Food Act. This act applies to food items that are non-temperature/time control for safety foods. These are foods that require only simple preparation and do not need refrigeration after being made. However, it’s crucial to note that lemonade with fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries is not permitted under the Homemade Food Act if the lemonade is prepared at home.
Vendors operating strictly within the Homemade Food Act do not need to obtain a temporary food permit from the City of Albuquerque. For detailed questions about the Homemade Food Act, it’s best to contact the New Mexico Environment Department directly or Learn more about the Homemade Food Act.
If your bake sale includes food items that require refrigeration, you will need to obtain a temporary food permit from the City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department. Reviewing the General Guidelines for Temporary Event Vendors and the different types of temporary food permits is highly recommended. For specific questions about bake sales, you can contact the Environmental Health Department at 505-768-2738.
Learn more about the Homemade Food Act.
Guidelines for Event Planners and Market Coordinators in Albuquerque
Event planners and Market Coordinators in Albuquerque play a vital role in ensuring food safety at their events. For information on obtaining a special event permit, visit Arts and Culture.
It’s important to reiterate that Temporary Food Establishment Permits are not required for private events meeting specific criteria: limited to non-TCS food, food from a permitted establishment, or fewer than 26 participants.
When planning food service at an event, remember:
- Food Vendors: If you or your vendors will sell, serve, or prepare food on-site, each vendor needs a Temporary Food Permit.
- Markets: Market vendors need approval from the Market Coordinator and must obtain a Market Food Establishment Permit from the Environmental Health Department. This single permit allows participation in any Albuquerque market.
- Homemade Food Act Vendors: Vendors operating under the Homemade Food Act are exempt from temporary permits but must adhere to the Act’s standards.
All event planners, market coordinators, and food vendors should thoroughly review the Temporary Food Event Guide for comprehensive guidelines.
Food Trucks at Albuquerque Events
Food trucks are a popular part of Albuquerque’s food scene and often participate in events. For food trucks operating at events, each owner/operator must have:
- City of Albuquerque (COA) Business Registration
- City of Albuquerque (COA) Fire Marshal’s Office Mechanical Permit
- Valid food permit from either the City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department, Bernalillo County, or the New Mexico Environment Department.
- Food trucks from outside New Mexico need to apply for a Temporary Mobile Food permit and provide a food permit from their home jurisdiction.
General Guidelines for Temporary Event Vendors in Albuquerque
To ensure a smooth permitting process and safe food service, Albuquerque temporary event vendors should follow these guidelines:
- Permit Application Timing: Submit permit applications at least 5 days before the event to allow sufficient processing time. While late applications will be reviewed, approval isn’t guaranteed. Applications submitted after 4:30 p.m. are processed the next business day.
- Commercial Kitchen Address: All temporary permit applications must include the address of the commercial kitchen where food will be prepared or stored before the event. If all preparation and storage are on-site, this should be noted on the application.
- Business Registration: Vendors selling food (unless a non-profit organization) must possess a City of Albuquerque business registration. Learn more about business registration.
- Brick and Mortar Establishments: Restaurants and other permitted food establishments wanting to vend food outside their usual premises also need temporary food permits.
- Mobile Food Units: Mobile food units already permitted by Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, or New Mexico do not need temporary food permits but must have City Business Registration, Fire Marshal’s Office Mechanical Permit, and a valid food permit from one of these jurisdictions.
- Out-of-Jurisdiction Mobile Food Units: Mobile food units permitted outside of Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, or New Mexico must submit a temporary mobile food permit application and a copy of their local health permit.
- Homemade Food Act Compliance: Vendors under the Homemade Food Act are exempt from temporary permits. Learn more about the Homemade Food Act, house bill 177 and more about the Homemade Food Act.. Remember, this act is limited to non-Time/Temperature Control for Safety foods prepared at home. Homemade food vendors should have clear signage indicating their status to avoid unnecessary inspections.
- Private Event Vendor Approval: Vendors at private events need approval from the event coordinator before applying for a permit. Private events include markets, Balloon Fiesta, and Summer Fest, among others.
- Permit Requirement vs. Market/Event Participation: A City-issued permit is required to operate at any event or market but does not guarantee participation in a specific event or market. Event or Market Coordinators decide vendor participation.
- Health Inspections: Be aware that City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department inspectors may visit any food event. Operate with this in mind and ensure compliance. Crucially, each vendor must display their permit during the event; homemade food vendors must display their Homemade Food signage.
Prohibited Foods at Albuquerque Special Events
To ensure public safety, certain foods are prohibited at special events in Albuquerque:
- Food containing cannabis
- Uncooked seafood or shellfish
- Unpackaged raw animal food (meat)
- Raw animal food not frozen (0 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Meat or meat products without the USDA mark of inspection
Submitting Your Albuquerque Food Permit Application
Applications for temporary food permits in Albuquerque must be completed and submitted through the online permitting system, ABQ-PLAN. ABQ-PLAN is a centralized platform for various City departments, streamlining permitting and planning processes, including reviews, inspections, and payments.
Registering for ABQ-PLAN
Each user needs to register with a unique email address. If you have existing permits, use the email address associated with your account. Each individual or business should create an ABQ-PLAN account. For registration assistance, visit ABQ-PLAN Resources and FAQs. Note: a business registration is required to complete and submit a permit online.
| Permit Type | Foods Allowed | Time Limit | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Food Prepackaged Risk 1 | Packaged foods like jams, jellies, salsa, uncut produce, eggs. | 14 days | $25 |
| Temporary Food Limited Preparation Risk 2 | Individual portion service of foods like hot dogs, roasted corn, cold sandwiches, tea, lemonade, coffee. | 14 days | $35 |
| Temporary Food Advanced Preparation Risk 3 | Individual portion service of foods like hot sandwiches, burritos, tamales, enchiladas, aguas frescas, dairy beverages. | 14 days | $50 |
| Market Food Establishment | Individual portion service, pre-packaged food at retail, and/or raw produce. | Date of issuance-March 31st of the following year. | Annual Permit (April 1 – March 31): $50 Late Season Permit (October 1-March 31): $30 |
*Vendors operating under the Homemade Food Act do not need permits from CABQ Environmental Health Department and are limited to non-time and temperature control for safety foods.
Temporary Food Establishment Permits Explained
Temporary Food Establishment Permits in Albuquerque are required even when serving portion-service foods like hamburgers, hot dogs, burritos, and sandwiches, especially if there’s on-site assembly. They are also necessary for serving packaged foods such as jams, jellies, salsa, and uncut produce to the public at temporary locations. These permits are valid for 14 days at a single location for a specific event.
Temporary Food Service Establishment Permit Application
Market Food Establishment Permits: Details for Albuquerque Markets
Market Food Establishment Permits are designed for vendors participating in multiple markets within Albuquerque. This permit covers food service, retail food sales, and/or raw produce sales at various markets. Vendor approval by the Market Coordinator is still required for each market, and the City permit is not a substitute for market-specific approval.
Annual Market Permit applications are due by March 15 and are valid from April 1 to March 31. Late Season Permits are available starting October 1 and are valid until March 31. Applications submitted after March 15 must be submitted at least 5 business days before operations begin. Market Food Establishment permits must be renewed annually. Vendors can use a Temporary Food Establishment permit for markets, but the 14-day and single-location restrictions will apply.
Market Food Establishment Permit Application
All applications must be submitted at least one week prior to the event. Permits submitted after 4:30 p.m. may not be processed until the next business day.
Albuquerque Food Permit Fees
Fees for Albuquerque temporary food permits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Market Food Establishment Annual Permit: $50.00
- Market Food Establishment Late Season Permit: $30.00
- Market Food Establishment Annual Permit- Raw Milk: $50.00
- Market Food Establishment Late Season Permit- Raw Milk: $30.00
- Temporary Food Establishment Prepackaged Permit: $25.00
- Temporary Food Establishment Limited Preparation Permit: $35.00
- Temporary Food Establishment Advanced Preparation Permit: $50.00
For further information about temporary and market food establishment permits, contact the Environmental Health Department at 505-768-2738.
This guide aims to clarify the process of obtaining food permits in Albuquerque, ensuring that your food-related activities are safe, compliant, and successful within this dynamic city.
