The Springfield Department of Health & Human Services (SDHHS) Environmental Division protects the community's health and safety by educating residents, enforcing regulations, and continuously monitoring potential health hazards. Our work emphasizes prevention, preparedness, and education- using routine monitoring, educational outreach, surveillance, and sample collection to identify and address conditions that could lead to disease. Our team inspects food establishments, public & semi-public swimming pools, recreational camps, farmers markets, mobile food vendors, body art establishments, septic systems, health clubs, tanning facilities, and more. SDHHS Environmental Division is also responsible for a larval suppression program to control mosquitos and sampling for water quality at recreational beaches in the summer season. 

Have a complaint regarding a Springfield food establishment? Call us at (413) 787-6740. Provide as much detail as you can, and we will investigate in a timely manner.

Unsure of which department your complaint should be directed to? Call 311 from a Springfield-based phone or (413) 736-3111 from any other phone.

Curious about recreational beach water quality in Springfield? Start here: Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard | Mass.gov (summer season only)

Looking for food safety resources available in multiple languages? Start here: Multi-Language Publications | Massachusetts Partnership for Food Safety Education

Have questions about starting a wholesale food business? Start here: Starting a wholesale food business | Mass.gov or call (617) 983-6712

Have questions about selling raw fish, shellfish, lobsters, or bait? Start here: Apply for a seafood dealer permit | Mass.gov or call (617) 626-1520

Have questions/concerns or need to file a complaint regarding cosmetologists, electrologists, manicurists, aestheticians, or barbers? Start here: Cosmetology, Barbering, and Electrology Licensing | Mass.gov or call (617) 701-8792

Have questions/concerns or need to file a complaint regarding massage therapists? Start here: Board of Registration of Massage Therapy | Mass.gov or call (617) 701-8630

Do I have to leave my name to file a complaint?

A- No. Anonymous complaints are accepted and investigated.

Are permits transferable?

A- No. The new owner/operator must apply and pay for a new permit prior to use/operation.

How long are Temporary Food Permits valid for?

A- Temporary Food Permits are valid for the duration of the event or 14 consecutive days, whichever happens first. Please be sure to apply for the permit at least 10 days prior to the event's start date.

Is it acceptable to use my home kitchen to prepare food and cater events?

A- No. Home kitchens cannot be used for catering. The use of a residential kitchen is only allowed for the preparation of non-potentially hazardous food such as baked goods, cookies, breads. The preparation of non-potentially hazardous food items requires a permit from the Health Department.

I am selling my home which has a septic system. How do I get a Title 5 inspection?

A- Title 5 inspections are done by private MA certified septic inspectors. Most septic pumping companies also do Title 5 inspections.

My apartment is infested with bed bugs, roaches, or rodents. Which City Department do I contact?

A- You call (413) 736-3111 who will take your complaint and notify Springfield Code Enforcement Department. This is the department that investigates housing complaints.

I found a bat in my home. What should I do?

A- If you came in contact with the bat, contact us at (413) 787-6740. If you are able to capture the bat yourself, put it in a container in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the bat. 

Springfield Department of Health & Human Services

311 State Street 

Springfield, MA 01105

Helen R. Caulton-Harris, Commissioner

Public Liaison:

Samantha Chartier, Environmental Health Director
Phone: (413) 787-6740
Fax: (413) 787-6458

E-mail: SChartier@springfieldcityhall.com 

Office Hours: 

8:15 am- 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday