Review:
2025 Legislative Update
Revisions to the MDA food licensing law were signed into law on May 23, 2025, and will go into effect, August 1, 2025. Changes will be 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, see House File 2446, lines 78.13 through 89.5.
Key licensing changes:
What does not change:
Food Licensing
The Food and Feed Safety Division is responsible for licensing and inspections of permanent and mobile retail food establishments, wholesale food handlers, wholesale food processor/manufacturers and food brokers that predominantly make and sell prepackaged food. Use the links below to find more information about each license type.
Some food businesses are excluded or exempt from licensing, including cottage food producers. Visit Food license exclusions and exemptions for more information.
If you want to open a new food business and don't know where to start, try exploring the Starting a Food Business Roadmap
If you have further questions, fill out the pre-consultation questionnaire for a referral to the MDA Licensing Liaison.
If you currently own a licensed food business and want to expand, remodel, or relocate your existing business, want to sell your existing business, or want to begin the licensing process, please call 651-201-6062 or email MDA.Licensing@state.mn.us
If you need a license for a restaurant, bar, or food stand that primarily prepares foods or beverages onsite, intended for immediate consumption (like hot foods or sandwiches and beverages), contact the Minnesota Department of Health for guidance at 651-201-4500 or health.foodlodging@state.mn.us
Food License Types:
>Special Event Food Stand License - For food businesses operating no more than ten (10) total days within the applicable license period.
>Food Handler License - USDA - For food businesses producing only United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspected products and selling to other businesses for resale.
Contact the MDA at MDA.FoodLicensingLiaison@state.mn.us or 651-201-6081 to communicate with an MDA licensing liaison who will help you determine the type of license necessary for the proposed business model. The licensing liaison can assist you with identifying the next steps in the process.
More detailed information about what to expect during the licensing inspection can be found Retail Food Program.
The Minnesota Food Code requires the license applicant to provide a 14-day notice to the inspector prior to the date of opening. If a Plan Review is required, completed applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to beginning construction or remodeling.
Once the license application is processed, a license number is generated, and the license is mailed to the food establishment.
Important Notice: New License and Permit Surcharge
As part of MDA's ongoing efforts to improve their services, the MDA is introducing a license and permit surcharge (Minn. Stat. § 17.033). This surcharge is an application processing charge that will be added to all licensing and permitting applications and renewals beginning Jan. 1, 2025. The surcharge will be calculated as 5% of the license or permit fee, with a minimum charge of $5.
The surcharge is supporting the modernization of our technology systems, which will provide better online services and more efficient processing of applications. The collected funds will be dedicated to upgrading our electronic systems, making it easier for people to interact with the MDA and access the needed services.
Retail Food Handler License Fee Schedule
|
Gross annual sale or service for the immediately previous license or fiscal year |
License Fee Effective July 1 |
Late Renewal Penalty |
No License Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pre-packaged nonperishable food less than $15,000 |
$50 |
$17 |
$33 |
|
Under $15,000 or $15,000 to $50,000 |
$77 |
$25 |
$51 |
|
$50,000 - $250,000 |
$155 |
$51 |
$102 |
|
$250,001 - $1,000,000 |
$276 |
$91 |
$182 |
|
$1,000,001 - $5,000,000 |
$799 |
$264 |
$527 |
|
$5,000,001 - $10,000,000 |
$1,662 |
$383 |
$767 |
|
$10,000,001 - $15,000,000 |
$1,376 |
$454 |
$908 |
|
$15,000,001 - $20,000,000 |
$1,607 |
$530 |
$1,061 |
|
$20,000,001 - $25,000,000 |
$1,847 |
$610 |
$1,219 |
|
Over $25,000,001 |
$2,001 |
$660 |
$1,321 |
The Retail Food Handler's license period is from July 1st to June 30th the following year and is required to be renewed each year.
Renewal information will be sent out a couple of months prior to the license expiration with directions on how to renew. If a letter from the MDA is not received by the food establishment prior to the Retail Food Handler license expiration, it is up to the operator to contact the MDA to renew the license. Licenses can be renewed online with a pin number or by mailing in the renewal form with a check.
Online Licensing System -License Lookup
Online Licensing & Payment Options
Licenses & Inspections Locator
