Food Establishment Info | FAQs | Food Safety | Plan Review | Starting a Food Establishment | Temporary Food Establishments | Return to Businesses
Starting a Food Establishment
A food service establishment is any location (except churches) or vehicle where food is prepared, offered, or served to the public with or without charge.
For full details please see Starting a Food Establishment.
Starting a Temporary Food Establishment
A temporary food service establishment is a food service establishment operating in conjunction with a celebration or special event, such as a fair or public exhibition, for a limited time period. Temporary food service establishments include:
- Special Event Food Stand -- licensed locally for maximum 3 times annually for a total of 10 days;
- Seasonal Temporary Food Stand -- State-licensed for maximum 21 days annually at any one location;
- Mobile Food Unit -- State-licensed food vehicle for maximum 21 days annually at any one location.
For full details please see Temporary Food Service Establishments.
Food Manager Certification
Licenses and Fees
A food license is issued for the calendar year (January 1 – December 31). This license is not transferable to another person or location. All license applications must be completed and the fee paid prior to the final inspection. A final inspection is required before the license is issued.
Download license application: Food Establishment Application (pdf) | Temporary Application (pdf) | Plan Review Application (pdf)
Thought for Food
Training tips for food service managers, the latest information about health issues in the food service industry and updated information on ordinances affecting food service establishments | current edition (pdf) | archived editions
Reporting a Foodborne Illness - for customers who ate at a food establishment
Contact the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Foodborne Illness Hotline 1.877.FOOD.ILL or 1.877.366.3455
Report a Foodborne Illness | Why to Call the Hotline | What to Know Before Calling | Hotline Hours | What Happens After Calling
Reporting a Foodborne Illness - for employees who work at a food establishment
Employee Illnesses: Reporting/Exclusion/Restriction (pdf)
Private Homes and Vehicles
A food business must be located separately from the living quarters of a private residence. A private home cannot be used as a food establishment.
A catering operation requires a separate vehicle license, a catering add-on to the facility license and approved equipment for the transportation of food.
