Our expert Licensing Liaison will:
- Respond to questions about licensing and pre-licensing requirements
- Direct you to the appropriate program within the MDA to obtain a license, or appropriate agency if not the MDA
- Assist in directing you to the Retail Food Plan Review Team if you are building or remodeling a food establishment
- Connect you to your food inspector(s) at the MDA based on your establishments location and type of business operation
Our expert Licensing Liaison will:
- Respond to questions about licensing and pre-licensing requirements
- Direct you to the appropriate program within the MDA to obtain a license, or appropriate agency if not the MDA
- Assist in directing you to the Retail Food Plan Review Team if you are building or remodeling a food establishment
- Connect you to your food inspector(s) at the MDA based on your establishments location and type of business operation
The Plan Review Team can:
- Identify when a plan review is required and what information is needed in the plan review application
- Review your submitted application to verify the equipment and facility finishes meet the MN Food Code requirements and will be suitable for your operation based on the proposed menu
- The Plan Review Officer will provide a copy of the completed plan review to you and your Food Inspector
- Additional items to plan for include the establishment's water source and planning and zoning requirements. Visit the Plan Review webpage for more information
The Plan Review Team can:
- Identify when a plan review is required and what information is needed in the plan review application
- Review your submitted application to verify the equipment and facility finishes meet the MN Food Code requirements and will be suitable for your operation based on the proposed menu
- The Plan Review Officer will provide a copy of the completed plan review to you and your Food Inspector
- Additional items to plan for include the establishment's water source and planning and zoning requirements. Visit the Plan Review webpage for more information
Once your area Food Inspector is identified they will:
- Assist in providing information and resources
- Conduct a plan review inspection once the written plan review has been complete, approved, and the construction is finished according to the completed plan review
- Provide the licensing application in-person during the licensing inspection
- An exception to in-person licensing is a Special Event Food Stand License
- You will need a Minnesota tax ID number with the name of the associated business registered under the Minnesota Secretary of State or your Social Security number if filing as an individual for the application
- You will need an estimate for gross annual food sales for a one-year period
- Provide an inspection report to the license holder
- Conduct routine inspections at a pre-determined frequency based on the processes occurring within the food establishment
- Conduct other types of inspections as needed such as sampling, consumer complaints, and foodborne illness investigations
It is your responsibility to become familiar with the Minnesota Food Code and the applicable Minnesota Statues to ensure you will be operating your Retail Food Establishment in the best interest of public health. Depending on the food being prepared in your facility, you may need to employ a Certified Food Protection Manager.
Once your area Food Inspector is identified they will:
- Assist in providing information and resources
- Conduct a plan review inspection once the written plan review has been complete, approved, and the construction is finished according to the completed plan review
- Provide the licensing application in-person during the licensing inspection
- An exception to in-person licensing is a Special Event Food Stand License
- You will need a Minnesota tax ID number with the name of the associated business registered under the Minnesota Secretary of State or your Social Security number if filing as an individual for the application
- You will need an estimate for gross annual food sales for a one-year period
- Provide an inspection report to the license holder
- Conduct routine inspections at a pre-determined frequency based on the processes occurring within the food establishment
- Conduct other types of inspections as needed such as sampling, consumer complaints, and foodborne illness investigations
It is your responsibility to become familiar with the Minnesota Food Code and the applicable Minnesota Statues to ensure you will be operating your Retail Food Establishment in the best interest of public health. Depending on the food being prepared in your facility, you may need to employ a Certified Food Protection Manager.
Yes. Minnesota Statute states that no person shall engage in the business of manufacturing, processing, selling, handling, or storing food without having first obtained a license for doing such business from the commissioner
Yes. Minnesota Statute states that no person shall engage in the business of manufacturing, processing, selling, handling, or storing food without having first obtained a license for doing such business from the commissioner
You will need to determine your predominant mode of sales. If you know or estimate that at least 50 percent of your gross annual food sales will be to other businesses/establishments, then you will be required to obtain a Wholesale Food Processor/Manufacturer - USDA license at your processing location. If you have questions regarding your predominant method of sales, contact the MDA Licensing Liaison.
You will need to determine your predominant mode of sales. If you know or estimate that at least 50 percent of your gross annual food sales will be to other businesses/establishments, then you will be required to obtain a Wholesale Food Processor/Manufacturer - USDA license at your processing location. If you have questions regarding your predominant method of sales, contact the MDA Licensing Liaison.
