Review the MDA webpage Starting a New Business. This will inform you about topics such as:
- Applicable regulations such as FSMA – Preventive Controls for Human Food
- Specialized regulations (acidified foods, juice HACCP, seafood HACCP, etc.) that may apply
- Water source & waste water system requirements
- Food business zoning requirements
- Local authority inspections (e.g. building, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, fire)
- Certificate of Occupancy, if necessary
- Retail Plan Review, if applicable
- Meat or dairy products
It is your responsibility to become familiar with all the applicable regulations and Minnesota Statues to ensure you are manufacturing food safely and in the best interest of public health. Depending on the food being produced in your facility, you may need to employ an individual with specialized training, seek additional education/training, or you may need to consult with an external source (university, expert, process authority, or laboratory).
Review the MDA webpage Starting a New Business. This will inform you about topics such as:
- Applicable regulations such as FSMA – Preventive Controls for Human Food
- Specialized regulations (acidified foods, juice HACCP, seafood HACCP, etc.) that may apply
- Water source & waste water system requirements
- Food business zoning requirements
- Local authority inspections (e.g. building, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, fire)
- Certificate of Occupancy, if necessary
- Retail Plan Review, if applicable
- Meat or dairy products
It is your responsibility to become familiar with all the applicable regulations and Minnesota Statues to ensure you are manufacturing food safely and in the best interest of public health. Depending on the food being produced in your facility, you may need to employ an individual with specialized training, seek additional education/training, or you may need to consult with an external source (university, expert, process authority, or laboratory).
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 utilize the Food Licensing Wizard, or 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 utilize the Food Licensing Wizard, or 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.
