Temporary Food Service Establishments

Festivals, Fairs, Carnivals, and Events

All food vendors wishing to sell potentially hazardous foods at an event in Johnston County must complete an application and return it to our office with the required fee at a minimum of 15 days prior to the date of operation. The event sponsor must also notify the department prior to the event and complete all necessary forms from this office. Forms must be submitted to this office at least 15 days prior to the event date.

Not all food vendors need a permit. Vendors who sell foods that are not considered potentially hazardous may not require a permit from this office in order to operate. Foods that do not require a permit include:

• Popcorn or kettle corn
• Candy
• Pies, cakes, and cookies
• Desserts or fried desserts
• Ice cream
• Snowballs
• Funnel cakes or elephant ears
• Candy apples
• Ice and beverages such as coffee, teas, and lemonade
• Whole raw fruits and vegetables

The above-listed foods may be regulated by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. The NC Department of Agriculture can be contacted directly at (919) 733-7366.

View a list of the foods that require a permit versus those that do not.

Sponsor Form for a Temporary Food Service Establishment
Application and requirements for a  Temporary Food Establishment Permit 

Non-Profit Organizations

Organizations that are "bona-fide" not-for-profit can claim a two-day exemption from having to receive a permit. The two-day exemption can only be used once per month for two consecutive days. Non-profit vendors must submit documentation to this office showing their non-profit status.

Documentation of Exemption form (for non-profits)

Important Links for Temporary Food Establishments

• Sponsor Form (for Carnivals, Fairs, Festivals, etc.)
• Application for a Temporary Food Service Permit
• Documentation of Exemption form (for non-profits)

Download Temporary Food Service Establishments page as PDF