Who licenses retail food and cosmetic establishments?

• A. State department
• B. Local health department
• C. Federal
• D. City clerk

Answer: (B)

The authority that licenses retail food and cosmetic establishments is the local health department, because they oversee sanitation and public health compliance where food is handled or cosmetics are sold. They issue the health permits needed to operate, and they perform regular inspections to ensure proper food handling, storage, sanitization, pest control, and employee hygiene. While state agencies set broader standards and federal bodies provide guidelines and enforcement for certain products, the licensing and ongoing oversight of these everyday operations are typically handled at the local level to reflect the specific conditions of each community. A general city business license may be issued by a city clerk, but it doesn’t substitute the health permit issued by the health department, which specifically covers health and safety requirements for food and cosmetic establishments.