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 |
You will need to determine your predominant mode of sales. If you know or estimate that at least 50% of your gross annual food sales will be to other businesses/establishments, then you will be required to obtain a Wholesale Food Handler license at your food storage location. If you know or estimate that retail sales (i.e., to the end consumer, online sales, etc.) will be at least 50% or more of your gross annual food sales, then you will be required to obtain a Retail Food Handler license. If you have questions regarding your predominant mode of sales, please contact the MDA Licensing Liaison.
You will need to determine your predominant mode of sales. If you know or estimate that at least 50% of your gross annual food sales will be to other businesses/establishments, then you will be required to obtain a Wholesale Food Handler license at your food storage location. If you know or estimate that retail sales (i.e., to the end consumer, online sales, etc.) will be at least 50% or more of your gross annual food sales, then you will be required to obtain a Retail Food Handler license. If you have questions regarding your predominant mode of sales, please contact the MDA Licensing Liaison.
Your truck or trailer will need a Wholesale Food Handler license to distribute food within Minnesota, and it will need to be routinely inspected. Vehicles without a separate food facility have a special fee category that should be “checked” when filling out your license application. Be aware that there are requirements for delivery vehicles, please visit Minnesota Rules for additional information.
Your truck or trailer will need a Wholesale Food Handler license to distribute food within Minnesota, and it will need to be routinely inspected. Vehicles without a separate food facility have a special fee category that should be “checked” when filling out your license application. Be aware that there are requirements for delivery vehicles, please visit Minnesota Rules for additional information.
Contact the MDA, determine your area Manufactured Food Program (MFP) inspector, and arrange an in-person inspection. The area MFP inspector will provide you with a paper copy of the MDA Wholesale Food Handler license application. An electronic form of the license application is NOT available through the MDA website.
Contact the MDA, determine your area Manufactured Food Program (MFP) inspector, and arrange an in-person inspection. The area MFP inspector will provide you with a paper copy of the MDA Wholesale Food Handler license application. An electronic form of the license application is NOT available through the MDA website.
Contact the MDA or submit a Food Licensing Liaison Request. The MDA licensing liaison will email you the area inspector's contact information.
NOTE: Contact your area inspector at least two weeks prior to your anticipated business start date.
Contact the MDA or submit a Food Licensing Liaison Request. The MDA licensing liaison will email you the area inspector's contact information.
NOTE: Contact your area inspector at least two weeks prior to your anticipated business start date.
- Your business plan an
d predominant mode of sales - Food storage location(s)
- Types of food storage: ambient, refrigerated and/or frozen
- Equipment and facility design
- Food suppliers or vendors
- Distribution methods
