This newsletter provides information about the MDA Retail Food Program events, policies, and regulations. Endorsement of products or companies is neither intended nor implied.
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According to Minnesota Statue, a retail food establishment is an operation that stores, prepares, packages, serves, vends, or otherwise provides food and beverages for human consumption. The food is sold directly to the consumer or indirectly through a delivery service. Some examples of retail food establishments include, but are not limited to:
- Grocery stores
- Convenience stores
- Bakeries
- Meat Markets
- Mobile food units
- Wineries
- Taprooms
- Vending machines and micro markets
- Farmer's market stands
All retail food establishments and mobile food operations fall under the Retail Food Handler License category and have the same licensing fee structure. However, the renewal period differs between the two, with Retail Food Handler Licenses renewed annually on July 1, and Retail Mobile Food Handler Licenses renewed annually on April 1. For more information on Retail Mobile Food Handlers and their specific requirements visit our temporary food establishments webpage.
|
Gross annual sale or service for the immediately previous license or fiscal year |
License Fee Effective July 1 |
Late Renewal Penalty |
MDA Processing Surcharge |
No License Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pre-packaged nonperishable food less than $15,000 |
$50 |
$17 |
$5.00
|
$33 |
|
Under $15,000 or $15,000 to $50,000 |
$77 |
$25 |
$5.00 |
$51 |
|
$50,000 - $250,000 |
$155 |
$51 |
$7.75 |
$102 |
|
$250,001 - $1,000,000 |
$276 |
$91 |
$13.80 |
$182 |
|
$1,000,001 - $5,000,000 |
$799 |
$264 |
$39.95 |
$527 |
|
$5,000,001 - $10,000,000 |
$1,662 |
$383 |
$58.10 |
$767 |
|
$10,000,001 - $15,000,000 |
$1,376 |
$454 |
$68.80 |
$908 |
|
$15,000,001 - $20,000,000 |
$1,607 |
$530 |
$80.35 |
$1,061 |
|
$20,000,001 - $25,000,000 |
$1,847 |
$610 |
$92.35 |
$1,219 |
|
Over $25,000,001 |
$2,001 |
$660 |
$100.05 |
$1,321 |
Most routine inspections are unannounced to observe the activities and risks of the operation without advanced notice. Inspectors will notify the person in charge of their arrival, and show a government issued ID at the start of every inspection. During an inspection the inspector will:
- Ask open ended questions to the person in charge and their employees to learn about the menu, knowledge, health policy, and practices as it relates to food safety.
- Observe food processing and cleaning operations within the food establishment focusing on food-borne illness risk factors.
- Educate the food workers on food safety practices and provide resources as necessary based on their observations.
- Work with the food establishment owners, managers, and employees to take immediate corrective actions during the inspection and help operators find long term solutions to prevent future violations.
- Leave a report at the end of the inspection which may include orders for violations observed during the inspection.
- As necessary, inspectors will follow up on inspection findings during subsequent inspections.
The Retail Food Program inspects licensed food establishments at set frequencies based on the highest risk food activity within the business. There are five potential categories for a food establishment to be designated, which can change as the business and menu change over time. Additional inspections can occur as necessary such as follow up inspections, complaint inspections, or emergency response inspections.
|
Risk Classification |
Frequency |
Types of Processing |
Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Type 1 |
9 months |
Food facilities with specialized processes which require a HACCP plan |
Meat Shops that smoke and cure foods, sushi kiosk with acidified rice |
|
Type 2 |
12 months |
Food facilities with complex processes for a variety of foods which could involve cooking, cooling, reheating and hot holding |
Large grocery stores with extensive deli preparation |
|
Type 3 |
18 months |
Food facilities that prepare less complex food products such as heating and holding only |
Convenience Stores |
|
Type 4 |
36 months |
Food facilities with limited processing of foods or primarily only serving already prepared foods |
Brewery taproom or small convenience stores |
|
Type 5 |
42 months |
Food facilities that only hold shelf-stable pre-packaged foods or raw agricultural products |
Gift shops with limited snacks offered |
Retail Food Inspectors work closely with the MDA Plan Review Team to review facility plans for remodeling or new construction. Once facility plans are approved, inspectors will conduct an onsite inspection and compare the submitted and approved plans to what they observe in the food establishment. The inspector will verify agreed upon revisions or corrections noted in the plan review approval letter, and ensure the food establishment layout, equipment and room finishes meet the Minnesota Food Code requirements. The inspector will license or approve the food establishment for operation if Minnesota Food Code requirements have been met, and the food establishment has received final approvals for trade work. Trade work includes electrical, plumbing, or building code requirements. More information on the plan review process can be found on the Plan Review - Retail Food Establishments page.
In addition to verifying the food establishment has met the requirements within the Food Code, the inspector will verify the new business owner/operator has basic food safety knowledge applicable to their operation. The inspector will provide a food license application for the new business and information such as legal business name, Minnesota Tax ID, physical address of the business, mailing address and payment will be required to complete the application. Estimated gross annual food sales will be used to be determine the license fee that is to be collected, the inspector can submit the application and payment on behalf of the applicant, or the applicant can mail the application with check or money order within ten business days from the inspection. Like any inspection, the food inspector will leave a report which outlines if the business is approved to operate or what steps are still necessary before approval is granted. More information about the types of licenses can be found on the Food Licenses page.
The MDA Retail Food Program partners with various agencies including the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, and others when necessary. Some food facilities are inspected by multiple inspection programs within the MDA such as the Manufactured Food Inspection Program, the Meat Inspection Program or the Dairy Inspection Program.
Minnesota Department of Health
Retail food establishments are licensed by different regulatory authorities in Minnesota based on the type and predominance of business. Predominance of business means that a majority (51 percent or more) of the gross annual food sales comes from that type of food or activity. If you want a license for an operation that is primary food service, such as a restaurant, you will need to obtain a license from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) or one of their delegated agencies. Go to the MDH Licensing Jurisdiction page for more information.
Delegated Agencies
The MDA Retail Food Program delegates its authority to license and inspect regulated retail food establishments to seven agencies within the state. This means that within these jurisdictions, the local agency is responsible for licensing, plan review, enforcement of the Minnesota Food Code, and other applicable regulations as it relates to retail food sales.
| Agency | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| City of Bloomington | Environmental Health Division City of Bloomington 1800 West Old Shakopee Road Bloomington, MN 55431 |
952-563-8934 |
| City of Brooklyn Park | Code of Enforcement and Public Health Division 5200 85th Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 |
763-493-8070 |
| Hennepin County (except the cities of Crystal, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Richfield, St. Louis Park, and Wayzata |
Epidemiology and Environmental Health
479 Prairie Center Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
|
612-543-5200 |
| City of Minneapolis | Minneapolis Environmental Health Public Service Center 250 South Fourth Street Room 414 Minneapolis, MN 55414 |
612-673-2301 |
| City of Minnetonka | City of Minnetonka Health Division 14600 Minnetonka Boulevard Minnetonka, MN 55345 |
952-939-8200 |
| Ramsey County (except the cities of Maplewood, New Brighton, and City of St. Paul) |
Environmental Health Section St. Paul-Ramsey County Department of Public Health 2785 White Bear Avenue, Suite 350 Maplewood, MN 55109 |
651-266-2400 |
| City of Saint Cloud | Health Inspections Department 400 Second Street South St. Cloud, MN 56301 |
320-255-7214 |
Most routine inspections are unannounced to observe the activities and risks of the operation without advanced notice. Inspectors will notify the person in charge of their arrival, and show a government issued ID at the start of every inspection. During an inspection the inspector will:
- Ask open ended questions to the person in charge and their employees to learn about the menu, knowledge, health policy, and practices as it relates to food safety.
- Observe food processing and cleaning operations within the food establishment focusing on food-borne illness risk factors.
- Educate the food workers on food safety practices and provide resources as necessary based on their observations.
- Work with the food establishment owners, managers, and employees to take immediate corrective actions during the inspection and help operators find long term solutions to prevent future violations.
- Leave a report at the end of the inspection which may include orders for violations observed during the inspection.
- As necessary, inspectors will follow up on inspection findings during subsequent inspections.
Most routine inspections are unannounced to observe the activities and risks of the operation without advanced notice. Inspectors will notify the person in charge of their arrival, and show a government issued ID at the start of every inspection. During an inspection the inspector will:
- Ask open ended questions to the person in charge and their employees to learn about the menu, knowledge, health policy, and practices as it relates to food safety.
- Observe food processing and cleaning operations within the food establishment focusing on food-borne illness risk factors.
- Educate the food workers on food safety practices and provide resources as necessary based on their observations.
- Work with the food establishment owners, managers, and employees to take immediate corrective actions during the inspection and help operators find long term solutions to prevent future violations.
- Leave a report at the end of the inspection which may include orders for violations observed during the inspection.
- As necessary, inspectors will follow up on inspection findings during subsequent inspections.
The Retail Food Program inspects licensed food establishments at set frequencies based on the highest risk food activity within the business. There are five potential categories for a food establishment to be designated, which can change as the business and menu change over time. Additional inspections can occur as necessary such as follow up inspections, complaint inspections, or emergency response inspections.
|
Risk Classification |
Frequency |
Types of Processing |
Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Type 1 |
9 months |
Food facilities with specialized processes which require a HACCP plan |
Meat Shops that smoke and cure foods, sushi kiosk with acidified rice |
|
Type 2 |
12 months |
Food facilities with complex processes for a variety of foods which could involve cooking, cooling, reheating and hot holding |
Large grocery stores with extensive deli preparation |
|
Type 3 |
18 months |
Food facilities that prepare less complex food products such as heating and holding only |
Convenience Stores |
|
Type 4 |
36 months |
Food facilities with limited processing of foods or primarily only serving already prepared foods |
Brewery taproom or small convenience stores |
|
Type 5 |
42 months |
Food facilities that only hold shelf-stable pre-packaged foods or raw agricultural products |
Gift shops with limited snacks offered |
The Retail Food Program inspects licensed food establishments at set frequencies based on the highest risk food activity within the business. There are five potential categories for a food establishment to be designated, which can change as the business and menu change over time. Additional inspections can occur as necessary such as follow up inspections, complaint inspections, or emergency response inspections.
|
Risk Classification |
Frequency |
Types of Processing |
Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Type 1 |
9 months |
Food facilities with specialized processes which require a HACCP plan |
Meat Shops that smoke and cure foods, sushi kiosk with acidified rice |
|
Type 2 |
12 months |
Food facilities with complex processes for a variety of foods which could involve cooking, cooling, reheating and hot holding |
Large grocery stores with extensive deli preparation |
|
Type 3 |
18 months |
Food facilities that prepare less complex food products such as heating and holding only |
Convenience Stores |
|
Type 4 |
36 months |
Food facilities with limited processing of foods or primarily only serving already prepared foods |
Brewery taproom or small convenience stores |
|
Type 5 |
42 months |
Food facilities that only hold shelf-stable pre-packaged foods or raw agricultural products |
Gift shops with limited snacks offered |
Retail Food Inspectors work closely with the MDA Plan Review Team to review facility plans for remodeling or new construction. Once facility plans are approved, inspectors will conduct an onsite inspection and compare the submitted and approved plans to what they observe in the food establishment. The inspector will verify agreed upon revisions or corrections noted in the plan review approval letter, and ensure the food establishment layout, equipment and room finishes meet the Minnesota Food Code requirements. The inspector will license or approve the food establishment for operation if Minnesota Food Code requirements have been met, and the food establishment has received final approvals for trade work. Trade work includes electrical, plumbing, or building code requirements. More information on the plan review process can be found on the Plan Review - Retail Food Establishments page.
In addition to verifying the food establishment has met the requirements within the Food Code, the inspector will verify the new business owner/operator has basic food safety knowledge applicable to their operation. The inspector will provide a food license application for the new business and information such as legal business name, Minnesota Tax ID, physical address of the business, mailing address and payment will be required to complete the application. Estimated gross annual food sales will be used to be determine the license fee that is to be collected, the inspector can submit the application and payment on behalf of the applicant, or the applicant can mail the application with check or money order within ten business days from the inspection. Like any inspection, the food inspector will leave a report which outlines if the business is approved to operate or what steps are still necessary before approval is granted. More information about the types of licenses can be found on the Food Licenses page.
Retail Food Inspectors work closely with the MDA Plan Review Team to review facility plans for remodeling or new construction. Once facility plans are approved, inspectors will conduct an onsite inspection and compare the submitted and approved plans to what they observe in the food establishment. The inspector will verify agreed upon revisions or corrections noted in the plan review approval letter, and ensure the food establishment layout, equipment and room finishes meet the Minnesota Food Code requirements. The inspector will license or approve the food establishment for operation if Minnesota Food Code requirements have been met, and the food establishment has received final approvals for trade work. Trade work includes electrical, plumbing, or building code requirements. More information on the plan review process can be found on the Plan Review - Retail Food Establishments page.
In addition to verifying the food establishment has met the requirements within the Food Code, the inspector will verify the new business owner/operator has basic food safety knowledge applicable to their operation. The inspector will provide a food license application for the new business and information such as legal business name, Minnesota Tax ID, physical address of the business, mailing address and payment will be required to complete the application. Estimated gross annual food sales will be used to be determine the license fee that is to be collected, the inspector can submit the application and payment on behalf of the applicant, or the applicant can mail the application with check or money order within ten business days from the inspection. Like any inspection, the food inspector will leave a report which outlines if the business is approved to operate or what steps are still necessary before approval is granted. More information about the types of licenses can be found on the Food Licenses page.
The MDA Retail Food Program partners with various agencies including the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, and others when necessary. Some food facilities are inspected by multiple inspection programs within the MDA such as the Manufactured Food Inspection Program, the Meat Inspection Program or the Dairy Inspection Program.
Minnesota Department of Health
Retail food establishments are licensed by different regulatory authorities in Minnesota based on the type and predominance of business. Predominance of business means that a majority (51 percent or more) of the gross annual food sales comes from that type of food or activity. If you want a license for an operation that is primary food service, such as a restaurant, you will need to obtain a license from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) or one of their delegated agencies. Go to the MDH Licensing Jurisdiction page for more information.
Delegated Agencies
The MDA Retail Food Program delegates its authority to license and inspect regulated retail food establishments to seven agencies within the state. This means that within these jurisdictions, the local agency is responsible for licensing, plan review, enforcement of the Minnesota Food Code, and other applicable regulations as it relates to retail food sales.
| Agency | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| City of Bloomington | Environmental Health Division City of Bloomington 1800 West Old Shakopee Road Bloomington, MN 55431 |
952-563-8934 |
| City of Brooklyn Park | Code of Enforcement and Public Health Division 5200 85th Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 |
763-493-8070 |
| Hennepin County (except the cities of Crystal, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Richfield, St. Louis Park, and Wayzata |
Epidemiology and Environmental Health
479 Prairie Center Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
|
612-543-5200 |
| City of Minneapolis | Minneapolis Environmental Health Public Service Center 250 South Fourth Street Room 414 Minneapolis, MN 55414 |
612-673-2301 |
| City of Minnetonka | City of Minnetonka Health Division 14600 Minnetonka Boulevard Minnetonka, MN 55345 |
952-939-8200 |
| Ramsey County (except the cities of Maplewood, New Brighton, and City of St. Paul) |
Environmental Health Section St. Paul-Ramsey County Department of Public Health 2785 White Bear Avenue, Suite 350 Maplewood, MN 55109 |
651-266-2400 |
| City of Saint Cloud | Health Inspections Department 400 Second Street South St. Cloud, MN 56301 |
320-255-7214 |
The MDA Retail Food Program partners with various agencies including the Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, and others when necessary. Some food facilities are inspected by multiple inspection programs within the MDA such as the Manufactured Food Inspection Program, the Meat Inspection Program or the Dairy Inspection Program.
Minnesota Department of Health
Retail food establishments are licensed by different regulatory authorities in Minnesota based on the type and predominance of business. Predominance of business means that a majority (51 percent or more) of the gross annual food sales comes from that type of food or activity. If you want a license for an operation that is primary food service, such as a restaurant, you will need to obtain a license from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) or one of their delegated agencies. Go to the MDH Licensing Jurisdiction page for more information.
Delegated Agencies
The MDA Retail Food Program delegates its authority to license and inspect regulated retail food establishments to seven agencies within the state. This means that within these jurisdictions, the local agency is responsible for licensing, plan review, enforcement of the Minnesota Food Code, and other applicable regulations as it relates to retail food sales.
| Agency | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| City of Bloomington | Environmental Health Division City of Bloomington 1800 West Old Shakopee Road Bloomington, MN 55431 |
952-563-8934 |
| City of Brooklyn Park | Code of Enforcement and Public Health Division 5200 85th Avenue North Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 |
763-493-8070 |
| Hennepin County (except the cities of Crystal, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Richfield, St. Louis Park, and Wayzata |
Epidemiology and Environmental Health
479 Prairie Center Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
|
612-543-5200 |
| City of Minneapolis | Minneapolis Environmental Health Public Service Center 250 South Fourth Street Room 414 Minneapolis, MN 55414 |
612-673-2301 |
| City of Minnetonka | City of Minnetonka Health Division 14600 Minnetonka Boulevard Minnetonka, MN 55345 |
952-939-8200 |
| Ramsey County (except the cities of Maplewood, New Brighton, and City of St. Paul) |
Environmental Health Section St. Paul-Ramsey County Department of Public Health 2785 White Bear Avenue, Suite 350 Maplewood, MN 55109 |
651-266-2400 |
| City of Saint Cloud | Health Inspections Department 400 Second Street South St. Cloud, MN 56301 |
320-255-7214 |
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop Awards for Farm to School and Early Care. This new contest recognizes K-12 school districts, early care centers, and family day cares that go above and beyond to promote and serve foods grown and raised by Minnesota farmers and producers.
This year’s winners have earned the title of Cream of the Crop in their respective categories:
- School District of the Year: Minneapolis Public Schools
- Family Daycare of the Year: Little Skeeters Daycare (Bagley, MN)
“Minnesota continues to lead the way in farm to school, creating stronger connections between local farms, classrooms, and communities.” says MDA Commissioner, Thom Petersen. “We’re proud to recognize the schools and early care providers that are making local food a vital part of how we nourish students and invest in resilient local economies that support small family farms.”
Applicants were asked to share details about their local purchasing practices, how they promote and educate students about local foods, and how they engage with the broader community through events and activities. In their application, Cream of the Crop School District of the Year winner, Minneapolis Public Schools, highlighted their long-standing commitment with farm to school. “We have sourced farm-direct items from hundreds of producers since our program began in 2013. We anticipate spending more than $500,000 on Minnesota-grown produce, grains, beans, and proteins again next school year. This locally grown food is served in entrées, sides, and salad bars in more than 60 cafeterias throughout our district.”
Farm to School programming reaches beyond K–12 classrooms, extending into early care and family day care centers across Minnesota. Merry Charles, owner of Cream of the Crop Family Daycare of the Year, Little Skeeters Daycare in Bagley, MN, said that “children in my daycare learn everyday about good nutrition. They plant and grow all their own vegetables and this year we will be planting fruit trees. We make jams, jellies, and they freeze all the vegetables that we grow.”
In addition to the top awards, several schools and daycare providers were honored with Outstanding in the Field recognition at three levels:
Golden Drumstick Honors
- ISD 196 – Rosemount-Eagan-Apple Valley
- Mesabi East School District (Aurora, MN)
- Northwestern Minnesota Juvenile Center (Bemidji, MN)
- Roseville Area Schools
- Love and Laughter Family Child Care (Anoka, MN)
Silver Squash Honors
- Foley Area Schools
- Holy Rosary School (Detroit Lakes, MN)
- Cannon Falls Area Schools
Bronze Berry Honors
- White Bear Lake Area Schools
- Winona Area Public Schools
- Holdingford Public Schools
Winners of the Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop School District and Family Day Care of the Year will each receive exclusive rights to use the Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop branding for the award year, along with a commemorative plaque. Outstanding in the Field honorees will receive exclusive rights to use the Minnesota Grown Outstanding in the Field branding for the award year and a signed certificate. To learn more about the Cream of the Crop Awards, visit the contest website.
Minnesota Grown is a program of the MDA to promote products grown and raised in Minnesota. The program has connected consumers with local farmers, farmers’ markets, and other producers of agricultural products for over 40 years. Development of the Minnesota Grown Cream of the Crop Awards was supported by a Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant from the USDA.
###
Media Contact
Nikki Warner, MDA Communications
651-238-7909
Nikki.Warner@state.mn.us
