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.
Even if your operation is producing one non-meat item, then your license type would be an MDA Wholesale Food Processor/Manufacturer, and not an MDA Wholesale Food Processor/Manufacturer – USDA license. An MDA Wholesale Food Processor/Manufacturer – USDA license is only applicable to establishments that manufacture and distribute 100 percent USDA items only. If your establishment produces a few seasonal non-meat (non-USDA) items such as dips, spreads, salsas, stuffings, etc., then your facility would be licensed as an MDA Wholesale Food Processor/Manufacturer.
Even if your operation is producing one non-meat item, then your license type would be an MDA Wholesale Food Processor/Manufacturer, and not an MDA Wholesale Food Processor/Manufacturer – USDA license. An MDA Wholesale Food Processor/Manufacturer – USDA license is only applicable to establishments that manufacture and distribute 100 percent USDA items only. If your establishment produces a few seasonal non-meat (non-USDA) items such as dips, spreads, salsas, stuffings, etc., then your facility would be licensed as an MDA Wholesale Food Processor/Manufacturer.
Contact the MDA to 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 Processor/Manufacturer - USDA license application. An electronic form of the license application is NOT available through the MDA website.
Contact the MDA to 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 Processor/Manufacturer - USDA 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 and the MDA licensing liaison will email you the area inspectors 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 and the MDA licensing liaison will email you the area inspectors contact information.
NOTE: Contact your area inspector at least two weeks prior to your anticipated business start date.
- Your business plan
- Manufacturing/processing location(s)
- Equipment & facility design
- Food production process/steps
- Labels (Finished product or bulk)
- Ingredient and finished product storage
- Distribution methods
- Your business plan
- Manufacturing/processing location(s)
- Equipment & facility design
- Food production process/steps
- Labels (Finished product or bulk)
- Ingredient and finished product storage
- Distribution methods
In addition to basic business information such as legal name, DBA, physical and mailing addresses, the following four items are required on the one page license application:
- Minnesota tax ID number associated with the business name registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State or your Social Security number, if filing as an individual.
- Workers Compensation Insurance policy number and effective dates if you plan on having paid or compensated employees (if applicable)
- Estimated gross annual food sales (January 1st – December 31st)
- Check, money order or cashier’s check for the license fee
