Retail Food Handler / Retail Mobile Food Handler Licenses

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Retail food handlers sell food directly to the end consumer. Examples of retail businesses regulated by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) include grocery stores, convenience stores, bakeries, and meat markets. Retail businesses can also be regulated and inspected by local public health agencies and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Review: Retail Food Handler Temporary Food Establishments Seasonal Permanent Food Stand Retail Food Program Retail Food Plan Review Food Licenses Food License Types: Retail Food Handler Retail Mobile Food Handler Mobile Food Unit - This type of business operates 21 days or less in one location and can produce food on site within an enclosed, moveable space. A plan review is required prior to licensing. Mobile Food Unit (English) Mobile Food Unit (Hmong) Mobile Food Unit (Somali) Mobile Food Unit (Spanish) Seasonal Temporary Food Stand - This type of business operates 21 days or less in one location and can produce food on site with protection from weather and contamination. A plan review is required prior to licensing. Seasonal Temporary Food Stand (English) Seasonal Temporary Food Stand (Hmong) Seasonal Temporary Food Stand (Somali) Seasonal Temporary Food Stand (Spanish) Retail Food Vehicle/Portable Structure or Cart - This type of business operates up to 365 days per year and can sell prepackaged food or raw produce only. A plan review is not required for this license. Retail Food Vehicle/Portable Structure or Cart (English) Retail Food Vehicle/Portable Structure or Cart (Hmong) Retail Food Vehicle/Portable Structure or Cart (Somali) Retail Food Vehicle/Portable Structure or Cart (Spanish) Special Event Food Stand - This type of business operates up to 10 days per year and can produce food on site or sell prepackaged food. A plan review is not required for this license. You can now apply for a Special Event Food Stand online Special Event Food Stand (English) Special Event Food Stand (Hmong) Special Event Food Stand (Somali) Special Event Food Stand (Spanish) Food Cart - This type of business is a food and/or beverage service establishment that is a non-motorized vehicle that is self-propelled by the operator. A plan review is required prior to licensing. Retail mobile stands are inspected by the Retail Food Program within the Food and Feed Safety Division. Some stands are also inspected and regulated by local public health agencies and the Minnesota Department of Health. If you operate solely within one of the following jurisdictions, contact the delegated agency assigned to that area (see below). Hennepin County Environmental Health Department Ramsey County Environmental Health Department Minneapolis Health Department Minnetonka Environmental Health Department Bloomington Environmental Health Division Brooklyn Park Public Environmental Health Department St. Cloud Health & Inspections Department University of Minnesota Building Code Department (all campuses and facilities) Wholesale Food Handler Wholesale Food Processor/Manufacturer Food Broker Wholesale Food Processor/Manufacturer USDA License See also: Start Your Food Business Journey Food Licensing and Food Safety Wizard - the first step to starting a new food business. Exceptions and exemptions to licensing There are some exclusions and exemptions from licensing, however, operators still must comply with the food safety regulations. This may include having an approved water source. It is highly recommended that you communicate with the licensing liaison or one of our inspectors for clarity. Examples include: Products of the farm or garden that are sold by the person who cultivated them. This could be produce, seafood, eggs, poultry, or meat Charitable, educational, or religious organizations who are not regularly engaged in the business of manufacturing and selling food An individual who is registered with the MDA to sell certain food products under the Cottage Food law None