How to get a Food Handlers Permit in Minnesota?

To obtain a food handlers permit in Minnesota, you need to follow the guidelines provided by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). The permit is officially known as the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification in Minnesota. The process involves identifying the type of food license you need, attending an approved training course, passing an approved exam, and applying for the license or certification. The cost, processing time, and validity period vary depending on the type of license and the gross annual sale or service of your business.

1. Identify the Type of Food License Needed

• Purpose: To determine the appropriate license for your food business.
• Instructions: Use the Food Licensing Wizard provided by the MDA to identify the type of food license you may need. The tool will guide you through a series of questions to help you identify the appropriate license. Visit the MDA Food Licensing Exclusions and Exemptions page for more information on business types that do not need licensing in Minnesota.

2. Attend an Approved Training Course

• Purpose: To gain the necessary knowledge and skills for safe food handling.
• Instructions: Attend an initial course approved by the MDH and the MDA. You can find a scheduled initial course near you through this link: Initial Courses, Exams and Continuing Education.

3. Pass an Approved Exam

• Purpose: To demonstrate your understanding of safe food handling practices.
• Instructions: After attending the initial course, you need to pass an exam from an organization accredited by the ANSI-CFP Accreditation Program. If your exam certificate is less than six months old, you can use it to apply for an initial Minnesota CFPM. If it's more than six months old, you need to retake the exam.

4. Apply for the License or Certification

• Purpose: To obtain the necessary permit to operate your food business.
• Estimated Cost: $35.00.
• Instructions: After passing the exam, fill out an initial application and mail it along with the required documentation and a $35.00 fee to the Minnesota Department of Health. The application should be made no more than six months after passing the exam. You can download the application forms here.

Useful Information Source Links:

• Retail Food Handler
• Retail Mobile Food Handler
• Food Licensing and Food Safety Wizard
• CFPM How-To
• CFPM Tools

FAQs:

• What is the validity period of the Minnesota CFPM? The Minnesota CFPM is valid for three years.
• What should I do if I want to expand, remodel, or relocate my existing food business, or if I want to sell my existing business? You should contact the MDA at 651-201-6062 or mda.licensing@state.mn.us.
• What is the processing time for the license? The processing time for the license is seven days to one month.
• What is the license period for the Retail Food Handlers license? The Retail Food Handler's license period is from July 1st to June 30th the following year. It is required to be renewed each year.

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