The Inspection Division of the Middlesex County Public Health Department performs various types of inspections throughout the year. It is the goal of the Inspection division that every food establishment, public swimming pool, and body art facility be inspected at least twice a year. All inspections are conducted by Registered Environmental Health Specialists who are licensed by the State of New Jersey.

Food Inspections:

All food establishment inspections are conducted by Registered Environmental Health Specialists. The inspections are conducted to assure that all food establishments comply with the provisions of Chapter 24 of the New Jersey State Sanitary Code. Upon the completion of inspections, ratings are issued based on the conditions found.

In New Jersey, the following ratings system is used:

Satisfactory: A white placard is issued when the establishment is found to be operating in substantial compliance with Chapter 24.

Conditionally Satisfactory: A yellow placard is issued when the establishment is found not to be operating in substantial compliance with Chapter 24. This rating requires a re-inspection.

Unsatisfactory: A red placard is issued to an establishment found to be operating under conditions that constitute a potential health hazard. Under these conditions, an establishment could not continue to operate and correct the violations at the same time. The establishment is asked to voluntarily close before a court order is sought.

The Middlesex County Health Department provides health inspection services in the following communities. Each municipality has an inspector assigned to it. For nuisance, pool and food complaints please call the municipality where the complaint occurred.

Carteret (732) 541-3890	New Brunswick (732) 745-5021
Cranbury (609) 395-0900 x237	North Brunswick (732) 247-0922 x254
Dunellen (732) 968-3033	Old Bridge (732) 721-5600 x6220
East Brunswick (732) 390-6788	Perth Amboy (732) 826-0440
Helmetta (732) 251-5972	Piscataway (732) 562-2363/2361
Highland Park (732) 819-3790	Plainsboro (732) 799-0909
Jamesburg (732) 251-5972	Sayreville (732) 390-7012
Metuchen (732) 632-8504	South Amboy (732) 525-1725
Middlesex (732) 356-7400 x252	South Plainfield (908) 226-7634
Milltown (732) 745-5021	South River (732) 257-1999 x125
Monroe (732) 521-4400	Spotswood (732) 251-5972

The municipalities of Edison, South Brunswick, and Woodbridge maintain their own health departments. In some cases, the Middlesex County Public Health Department provides contractual services for select programs within these communities.

Body Art
The Middlesex County Health Department inspects all Tattoo, Body Piercing and Permanent Cosmetic facilities in our jurisdiction twice yearly. Inspectors insure that proper sanitation, record keeping, and medical supervision is occurring. All Body Art facilities must have an inspection form posted in a conspicuous place for the public to observe. For more information on Body Art inspections please call (732) 745-3100.

Recreational and Bathing inspections

All seasonal recreational bathing facilities including swimming pools, spas and lakes are inspected at least twice during the operating season. Indoor pools are inspected four times a year. Inspectors check the water quality and safety equipment at all pools. Lifeguarding, first aid and CPR certification are also reviewed. For more information on pool inspections please call (732) 745-3100.