Licensing Modernization - Update
Revisions to the MDA food licensing law were signed into law on May 23, 2025, and are in effect starting August 1, 2025. Changes are now in place for all new food businesses, and existing food businesses will be updated as they renew their licenses. For more detail on the changes, please see House File 2446, lines 78.13 through 89.5. More information about the process, including summary reports, are on MDA’s Food Licensing Modernization webpage.
Retail Food Inspection Program
The Retail Food Program works to effectively and efficiently protect public health. The MDA partners with other regulatory agencies, academia, and the public to improve food safety through education, scientific knowledge, and risk-based inspections.
Starting a Retail Food Business
Retail food establishments including grocery stores, convenience stores, bakeries, meat markets, mobile units, and vending machines are regulated by the Retail Food Program within the MDA Food and Feed Safety Division. State statute requires anyone who intends to operate as a retail food establishment in the State of Minnesota to obtain a license from the MDA. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate the licensing process.
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.
