Beverage & Bottled Water Manufacturers
Confidence in the safety of beverages and bottled water is important to consumers. It is the role of Food Protection's Beverage and Bottled Water Inspection and Licensing Program to make sure the practices and processes used in the production and bottling of beverages and bottled water will provide a safe product.
NH-based Manufacturers and Bottlers
All beverage and beverage concentrate manufacturers and water bottlers located in the state of New Hampshire are required to be licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services. The Beverage and Bottled Water Inspection and Licensing Program inspects these facilities to determine compliance with New Hampshire regulations and good manufacturing practices. The Beverage and Bottled Water Inspection and Licensing Program also reviews testing results of bottled water and beverages to determine compliance with New Hampshire and federal standards for quality and safety. See Food Processing Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for information on how to conduct process reviews of bottled water and beverage products.
Out of State Manufacturers and Bottlers
Beverages, beverage concentrates and bottled water produced outside New Hampshire but sold within the state must be registered by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Definition of Beverage
The term "beverage" includes all still and carbonated drinks; fruit juices and all beverages compounded from them; all bottled waters whether for medicinal or table use; and all packaged liquids intended for drinking. It does not include alcoholic beverages.
Definition of Beverage Concentrate
The term "concentrate" includes all concentrated fruit juices, fruit-flavored and other syrups, and compounds and mixtures in concentrated form, put up in packages for retail sale and intended as a basis for the preparation of a beverage.
Program Information
Licensing & Applications
The Beverage and Bottled Water Inspection and Licensing Program provides licensing and regulation of bottlers of water and other beverages located in New Hampshire and registration of beverages and bottled water outside New Hampshire but sold within the state.
NH-Based Bottlers & Manufacturers
Bottlers located in the State of New Hampshire applying for a beverage license must:
- Comply with all applicable requirements in New Hampshire Statute RSA 143 and New Hampshire Administrative Rule He-P 2100;
- Submit a completed beverage license application which is reviewed and approved by the Beverage and Bottled Water Inspection and Licensing Program; and
- Continue to comply with all applicable requirements as determined by sanitary inspections and review of all testing records and sanitation results.
- As part of the licensing process for applicants of newly constructed or remodeled beverage processing facilities, you must submit a Beverage Processing Floorplan Review Application to Food Protection. Plans are reviewed to ensure that the establishment will have the necessary facilities and equipment required to be licensed.
Out-of-State Bottlers and Manufacturers
Bottlers located outside the State of New Hampshire, or their agents, applying for a beverage license must:
- Comply with all applicable requirements in New Hampshire Statute RSA 143 and New Hampshire Administrative Rule He-P 2100; and
- Submit a completed beverage registration application, which is reviewed and approved by the Beverage and Bottled Water Inspection and Licensing Program.
All licenses and registrations expire on January 1st of the year after issuance.
Beverage and Bottled Water Statutes and Rules