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If you aren't sure where to begin as you develop your food business, the MDA has developed a Food Business Roadmap. The roadmap contains many useful resources such as:

• How to write a business plan
• Information on shared or rented kitchens
• Farmers' Market and Cottage Food requirements
• Grant and loan information
• Types of business that are licensed by the MDA or the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)

Our expert Licensing Liaison will:

• Respond to questions about pre-licensing requirements
• Share the pre-licensing Applicant Form when you are ready to apply
• Assist in directing you to the Retail Food Plan Review Team if you are building or remodeling a food establishment
• Connect you with our technical assistance group at the MDA to address questions prior to your licensing inspection

The MDA 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
• Provide a copy of the completed plan review to you and your Food Inspector
• Identify additional items to plan for your facility, including water source and zoning considerations

Visit the Plan Review webpage for more information.

Use the Find Your Inspector Tool to identify your inspector. 

Your food inspector will:

• Validate your approved plan review at the first licensing inspection and issue a license to operate, if requirements are met
• Conduct routine inspections at a pre-determined frequency based on the food safety risk level your food business
• Provide all final inspection reports
• Provide additional resources and information
• 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.