From where must a commercial food service establishment obtain food?

A commercial food service establishment must obtain food from a licensed distributor to ensure that the products being used are safe, inspected, and of high quality. Licensed distributors have undergone the necessary regulatory processes to handle and distribute food, which helps ensure compliance with health codes and safety standards. This is crucial for preventing foodborne illnesses and maintaining the establishment's reputation.

While local farms, supermarkets, and wholesale markets can also provide food products, they might not always guarantee the same level of safety and assurance that comes with purchasing from a licensed distributor. For instance, products sourced from unregulated farms could lack proper safety inspections. Similarly, supermarkets and wholesale markets do not always sell products that meet the specific safety certifications required for commercial use, making a licensed distributor the most reliable option for restaurants and similar establishments.