Division of Environmental Health (DEH)

Ensuring Safe and Healthy Environments Across Guam

The Division of Environmental Health (DEH) is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring that businesses, facilities, and environments across Guam meet established health and safety standards. Through a combination of regulation, inspection, permitting, and enforcement, the division works to prevent health risks before they impact the community.

DEH serves as the primary regulatory body for environmental health matters, overseeing activities that directly affect food safety, sanitation, and public health conditions. Its work is essential to maintaining safe workplaces, protecting consumers, and ensuring that public environments meet required standards.
 

Scope of Services

Health Certificates

• Required for employment in food service and other regulated industries
• Issued after meeting health and documentation requirements
• Ensures that workers meet basic health standards before employment
   

Sanitary Permits

• Required for businesses operating in food handling or regulated environments
• Includes restaurants, food vendors, and certain service establishments
• Issued following plan review, inspection, and compliance verification
   

Controlled Substances Registration

• Required for authorized professionals and facilities handling controlled substances
• Maintained under strict regulatory standards and oversight
   

Inspections and Compliance

• Routine inspections of businesses and facilities
• Complaint-based inspections in response to public concerns
• Enforcement of sanitation, safety, and regulatory standards
   

Environmental Health Oversight

• Monitoring of environmental conditions that may impact public health
• Investigation of sanitation and health-related complaints
• Coordination with other agencies when necessary
   

Regulatory Process and What to Expect

Applicants and business owners should expect

• Submission of completed applications with required documentation
• Review of application materials for completeness and compliance
• Scheduling of inspections when required
• Identification of deficiencies and corrective actions if needed
• Final approval and issuance of certificates or permits
   

Working with Businesses and the Public

DEH works closely with business owners to ensure compliance with health regulations. This includes providing guidance on requirements, conducting inspections, and enforcing standards where necessary.

For residents, the division serves as a point of contact for reporting concerns related to sanitation, food safety, and environmental conditions.
 

How to Get Started

For employment-related services:

• Download the Health Certificate application from Forms & Documents
• Review requirements before visiting a processing location
   

For business-related services:

• Review Sanitary Permit requirements and applicable regulations
• Prepare plans and documentation before submission
   

For all services:

• Confirm service location under Locations & Hours
• Contact the division through the Contacts Directory for clarification
   

Community Impact

The Division of Environmental Health plays a critical role in protecting the health and safety of Guam’s population.

Its work contributes to:

• Prevention of foodborne illnesses
• Safe operation of businesses and public facilities
• Enforcement of sanitation and health standards
• Response to environmental and public health concerns