How to get a Food Handlers Permit in Kansas?

To obtain a food handlers permit in the state of Kansas, you need to apply for a Food Establishment License or a Food Processor License through the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The process involves passing a licensing inspection, submitting a signed license application, and paying the appropriate fees. The licenses are valid from April 1st through March 31st each year.

1. Determine the Type of License Needed

• Purpose: To identify the appropriate license for your food business. In Kansas, there are two types of food licenses: Food Establishment and Food Processor.
• Instructions: A business that prepares or offers food for immediate consumption requires a Food Establishment License. If you are operating a restaurant, school cafeteria, senior meal site, caterer, mobile food vendor, grocery store, convenience store, discount store, etc., you need to fill out the “Restaurant and Retail Food Application”. If you are operating a mobile unit, you also need to complete a “Mobile Unit Log” at the time of application. For businesses that are unattended or are a Micro Market, a “Food Establishment Category IV License” is required.

2. Complete the License Application

• Purpose: To provide the necessary information about your establishment and agree to comply with all the terms of the Kansas Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the rules and regulations prescribed thereunder.
• Instructions: The application requires you to provide information about your establishment such as its name, address, phone number, and the effective date of operation. You also need to provide ownership information, including whether it's an individual/sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC. If your ownership is registered with the Kansas Secretary of State, you need to provide your Business Entity ID number. You can register your ownership at www.kssos.org or call 785-296-4564. You also need to provide your Federal Tax ID number.

3. Pay the License Fees

• Purpose: To cover the cost of the license application and annual license fee.
• Estimated Cost: The fees for the license vary depending on the size of your establishment and the type of food handling processes you perform. For example, if your establishment is less than 5,000 sq. ft. and performs Category I processes, the total fee due is $550.00.
• Instructions: The application and license fees need to be submitted for each location needing a license. Payments can be made by check payable to the Kansas Department of Agriculture or KDA. A credit card payment form can be downloaded at http://agriculture.ks.gov/docs/default-source/rc-food-safety/credit-card-eft-food-cc-october-2017.pdf?sfvrsn=4.

Useful Information Source Links:

• Kansas Department of Agriculture: Food Safety Licenses
• Kansas Department of Agriculture: Food Safety, Egg, and Lodging Forms
• Kansas Department of Agriculture: Food Service Restaurant Application

FAQs:

• What is the validity period of the food handlers permit in Kansas? The licenses are valid from April 1st through March 31st each year.
• What happens if I fail to obtain a license? Failure to obtain a license may result in regulatory action.
• What are the payment methods for the license fees? Payments can be made by check payable to the Kansas Department of Agriculture or KDA. Credit card payments can be made by completing the credit card and electronic payment form.
• Do I need to register my business with the Kansas Secretary of State? Yes, if you are a Corporation, LLC, or another form of business entity besides an individual or partnership, you are required to register with the Kansas Secretary of State prior to being issued your license.

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