Temporary Food Service Establishment

A Temporary Food Service Establishment operates in conjunction with a celebration or special event, such as a fair or public exhibition, for a limited time period

• 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

License Requirements
A Temporary Food Service License is required in Ramsey County (this office does not serve Saint Paul or Maplewood). A license is required unless the operator meets all of the following requirements:

1. Has a valid license from the Minnesota Department of Health or Minnesota Department of Agriculture for a mobile food unit or seasonal temporary food stand
2. Will operate from the State-licensed mobile food unit or seasonal temporary food
   stand
3. Will prepare and/or serve food within the limitations of the State's license
4. Has provided Environmental Health with at least 2  business days before the start of the event

A separate Temporary Food Service License is not required for food prepared, offered, or served on the premises of a Ramsey County-licensed Food Establishment (e.g. restaurant, deli, grocery) if all of the following conditions are met:

1. All food is prepared in the Food Establishment licensed by this Department
2. All food is prepared by employees of the licensed Food Establishment
3. The establishment operator has notified Environmental Health at least 2 business days before the start of the event

License Fees
A Temporary Food Service license is not transferable to another person, location, or event.  Environmental Health may require an applicant to attend a meeting or training session before licensure. Applications are due at least 2 business days before the start of the event. If the operator does not provide a complete application or notification at least 2 business days before the event, a late penalty fee of 25% will be required in addition to the license fee.

An operator of a Temporary Food Service Establishment must submit the following:

• Complete application | Temporary License Application Form (pdf)
• If a license is not required (see Licensing Requirements above) the operator must notify Environmental Health at least 2 business days before the start of the event.
• Mail or Deliver to: Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health, Environmental Health
  2785 White Bear Avenue, Suite 350 | Maplewood, MN 55109

Food Safety
Information regarding food codes, foodborne illness and emergency handbook for food service managers | Food Safety

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