Depending on your food business, you may require training and/or licensing from the MDH, MDA, and/or federal and local delegated agencies.
- Most food products that are served and eaten on-site (e.g. food trucks, restaurants, caterers) require a license from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
- Most retail and manufactured food products require a license from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).
- Some types of food businesses may require licensing or training from federal agencies or local delegated agencies.
Useful Tools to Help You Start
- Food Licensing Liaison Line (MDA)
651-201-6081
MDA.FoodLicensingLiaison@state.mn.us
MDA Inspected
- Cottage Food
- Exemptions
- Food ingredients that may cause allergies
- Food Licenses
- Food Safety Information & Resources
- Plan Review – Retail Food Establishments
- Produce Safety Program
- Retail Food Licensing & Inspections Delegated Agencies
MDH Inspected
- 2011 “Church Lady” Law
- Chili or Soup Cook-Off Fundraisers
- Food Business Fact Sheets
- Hand Hygiene for Food Handlers
- Licensing – Food, Pools, and Lodging Services
- Delegated Agencies: Jurisdiction Map & Directory
- Minnesota Certified Food Protection Manager
- Mobile Food Unit
- Mobile Food Unit, Seasonal Temporary Food Stand, and Seasonal Permanent Food Stand Construction Guide (PDF)
- Food Business Safety
FDA/USDA Inspected
- Registration Guides
- Guide to Regulations for Local Food Entrepreneurs (MISA, MN Institute for Sustainable Agriculture)
- Who regulates what? (Eater)
Inspected by Someone Else (Delegated Agencies)
Resources listed do not constitute the MDA’s endorsement of a service, program, or organization. The MDA accepts no liability for the content of these resources.
