1. Minnesota Department of Agriculture
  2. Food, Feed
  3. Resources for New Food Businesses
  4. Food Licenses

Making Food Licensing Simpler

As of August 1, 2025 multiple existing license classifications have been simplified into one "Food Handler" license. This is part of an effort by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Food and Feed Safety Division to modernize and streamline food licensing — making it easier for you to manage your food business and stay compliant.

Key Licensing Enhancements:

  • Simplified: Several license types have been combined into one Food Handler license.
  • Streamlined: Most licenses will be moved to a January 1 through December 31 license period.
  • Fair: The license fee schedule is based on your business size and food safety risk. You pay for the level of oversight your business needs.
  • Flexible: Small businesses (<$50,000 annual sales) may operate up to three locations under one license.

NEW Food Business Licensing Process

As part of this effort, the FFSD food business licensing process has been updated. The roles of the applicant and the MDA have been outlined in the image below. 

Food business licensing process graphic as described in the content on the webpage.

During the food business licensing process, the applicant will: 

  • Ask questions
    • Contact the MDA (mda.licensing@state.mn.us) to find out:
      • Do you need a food license?
      • What requirements apply to your business type?
      • Will you need a Retail Plan Review?
    • Learn how to apply for a Food Handler License
  • Apply for a license
    • Complete the Applicant Form
    • Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee
    • Respond promptly to any questions about your Applicant Form
  • Prepare for the technical review
    • Prepare for your technical review by following the instructions in your application intake email
    • Respond promptly to questions from reviewers regarding your business and food handling activities
    • Submit additional Retail Plan Review Application if required
  • Prepare for the facility inspection
    • Read and understand the technical review letter to prepare for the facility inspection
    • Work with your inspector to schedule a facility inspection
    • Answer questions and show facilities, equipment, and processes to the inspector for verification and final approval
    • Receive form to pay license fee
  • Get licensed to operate
    • Fill out your Initial License Fee form
    • Pay your license fee, based on food safety risk level and expected gross annual food sales
    • When you receive your printed license, post it at your place of business

During the food business licensing process, the MDA will:

  • Ask questions
    • Inform callers about food licensing requirements and how to apply
    • Provide the Applicant Form
  • Review the Applicant Form
    • Review the submitted Applicant Form for eligibility and send for technical review
    • Send the applicant an intake email with instructions on their technical review
  • Conduct a technical review
    • Check that facilities and equipment meet all requirements based on food handling activities
    • Provide technical review letter with direction for facility inspection
  • Conduct a facility inspection
    • Schedule the facility inspection
    • Confirm the business is ready to begin operating
    • Provide the initial License Fee form
  • Issue license to operate
    • Issue a Food Handler License once completed fee form and correct payment have been received

The general timeframe to complete this process is approximately thirty to forty-five days upon receipt of a complete Applicant Form. 

 

General Food License Information

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture's (MDA) Food and Feed Safety Division issues food licenses and conducts food safety inspections for a variety of businesses in Minnesota. A food license is required unless you meet an exclusion or exemption from food licensing, such as selling products of your farm or garden and cottage foods.

Do I need a license from the MDA or a health department?

Food businesses in Minnesota are either licensed and inspected by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota Department of Health, or a local city or county health department, depending on a businesses' proposed menu and where they plan to operate. Use the below prompts to help determine who to contact with food license questions.

  • I want to operate a restaurant or bar, food stand that sells foods such as burgers, tacos, egg rolls, hot entrees, fresh lemonade, coffee beverages, or dirty sodas.

  • I want to manufacture or sell prepackaged foods, dairy or meat products, baked goods, candy, nuts, popcorn, sno cones, or cotton candy

  • I want to operate a grocery store, convenience, store, meat market, bakery, vending machine, or food warehouse

  • I want to sell foods from my home such as baked or canned goods, or products from my farm or garden such as produce, meat, or eggs

Additional Resources for Specific Business Types

Learn More
Retail Food Inspection Program
Manufactured Food Inspection Program
Food License Exclusions and Exemptions
Food Licensing Liaison Request
Forms + Resources
Food Licensing Modernization
External Links
Minnesota Food Licensing Law
Minnesota Department of Economic and Employment Development Starting a Business
Purchase a copy of the Minnesota Food Code
Contact Us