When food is sold or given away by a University organization to persons, outside their immediate membership, full compliance with California Uniform Retail Food Facilities Law (CURFFL) is required.

The sponsoring organization (including UC Merced registered clubs and organizations) of a campus event must obtain a Temporary Food Permit from Environmental Health and Safety when: 

• The food/beverage service at the event is not handled by an Approved UC Merced Caterer.
• Perishable foods will be on the menu.
   

Procedure for obtaining a temporary food permit:

Temporary Food Permit  Procedure

Applicants for a temporary food permit will be required to attend "Food Safety Training for Campus Groups", as part of the temporary food permit application process. After completing the course, you will be directed to complete and submit the application to EH&S. Upon final approval, EH&S will issue the approved permit to the sponsoring group’s representative via e-mail. Questions on the Temporary Food Permit application should be directed to EH&S at (209) 228-7864.

A Temporary Food Permit is not required when: 

• Only non-perishable food/beverage items will be served. Only Food and beverage items listed in Table 1: Classification of Non-perishable Foods in the Temporary Food Permit procedure are considered non-perishable foods.
• The sponsoring organization uses an approved UC Merced Dining Services Caterer for their event. 
• A campus office, department, or service unit hosts an intra-departmental event within his or her own facilities (staff meeting, intra-departmental birthday celebration, etc.)
• A campus student service organization hosts an event within their own house that only house members will attend. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. 

Non-UC Affiliated Events

• For non-UC affiliated (sponsored by UC Merced) events held on campus property, such as vendor fairs, cultural fairs, or sports clinics, the appropriate scheduling office refers the event's sponsor to EH&S to obtain the appropriate permits prior to booking the reservation request.