Traveling with food in New Jersey—whether by car, public transit, or other means—is generally legal, but there are specific regulations and restrictions to be aware of, especially if you are transporting food for sale, donation, or across state lines.
Personal Travel with Food
For individuals traveling with food for personal consumption:
No Statewide Prohibition: There are no New Jersey state laws that prohibit individuals from transporting food for personal use within the state.
Food Safety Guidelines: While not illegal, it is important to follow basic food safety practices to prevent spoilage and foodborne illness.
Crossing State Lines: If you are bringing food into New Jersey from another state or country, you may be subject to federal regulations (such as those enforced by the USDA or FDA), but state law does not specifically restrict this for personal use.
Transporting Food for Sale or Business
If you are transporting food to sell or as part of a business:
Permits and Licenses: New Jersey requires permits and licenses for anyone transporting food for sale, especially if operating a food truck or mobile food business. This includes health department certifications, business licenses, and specific mobile food facility permits, which vary by city and county.
Food Safety Regulations: All food transported for sale must comply with state and local food safety regulations, including proper temperature control, packaging, and waste disposal.
Prohibited Ingredients: Certain foods and ingredients are prohibited for sale under New Jersey’s Cottage Food Law, including cream, custard, puddings, cheese, meat, fish, fresh vegetables, and others, due to the risk of bacterial growth.
Special Cases
Donating Food: New Jersey law provides liability protection for food donations made in good faith to nonprofit organizations, following federal and state food quality and labeling standards.
Animal Feed: If you are transporting food waste for use as animal feed, certain regulations apply, such as heat treatment requirements for animal-derived waste before feeding to swine.
Summary Table
| Purpose of Transport | Legal Status in NJ | Key Requirements/Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Personal use | Legal | None; follow food safety practices |
| For sale (business) | Legal with permits | Health permits, business license, food safety |
| Donation | Legal with protections | Must meet quality/labeling standards |
| Animal feed | Legal with restrictions | Heat treatment required for certain waste |
Traveling with food in New Jersey is legal for personal use, but transporting food for sale or donation requires compliance with specific permits, licenses, and food safety regulations. Certain ingredients and products are prohibited for sale under state law. Always check local regulations if you plan to operate a food business or donate food.
Sources:
- https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/food-truck-licenses-and-permits-in-new-jersey
- https://www.nj.gov/health/cottagefood/food-products/prohibited/
- https://policyfinder.refed.org/new-jersey/
- https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-6A-23A-7-12