How to get a Food Handlers Permit in Mississippi?

To obtain a food handlers permit in Mississippi, you need to follow a series of steps as outlined by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH). These steps include requesting a Plan Review packet, completing a Food Permit application, submitting necessary documents, and paying the required fees. The process varies slightly depending on whether you are a retail food facility or a food manufacturer.

1. Request a Plan Review Packet

• Purpose: This is the first step in the process of obtaining a food handlers permit. It involves requesting a Plan Review packet from the MSDH.
• Instructions: Retail facilities and caterers should email food@msdh.ms.gov, while manufactured food producers should email mfgfoods@msdh.ms.gov. Make sure to include your facility name in the subject line of the email and on all submitted documents.

2. Complete the Food Permit Application and Plan Review

• Purpose: This step involves completing the Food Permit application and Plan Review. This is necessary for the MSDH to assess your facility and its food handling practices.
• Instructions: Complete the application and plan review and send it to the appropriate email address. A complete application and plan review should include a floor plan, menu, and a copy of the Food Manager's certificate for retail facilities. For manufacturers, it should include a floor/site plan, items processed or held, and when applicable, additional documents like HACCP Plan, Seafood HACCP Certification, Juice HACCP Certification, Approval of Water Source (if private), Approval of On-Site Wastewater System, Better Process Control School Certification, Food Safety Plan, and Label of Product(s).

3. Pay the Plan Review Fee

• Purpose: This fee is required for the MSDH to review your application and plan.
• Estimated Cost: $224.25.
• Instructions: Once your plan review package is received, you will be emailed a link to pay the plan review fee.

4. Pay the Permit Fee

• Purpose: This fee is required to obtain your food handlers permit once your application has been reviewed and approved.
• Estimated Cost: The cost of an annual food permit is determined by the risk level assigned to your facility during plan review. The current costs are Risk 1: $40.00, Risk 2: $132.25, Risk 3: $198.00, Risk 4: $264.50.
• Instructions: After your application has been reviewed and approved, you will receive an invoice for your permit fee via email. Use the link in the email to pay the permit fee.

Useful Information Source Links

• Retail Food Section
• Manufactured Food Section
• Cottage Foods Information
• Milk and Bottled Water Regulations

FAQs

• What is the cost of the plan review fee? The plan review fee is $224.25.
• What is the cost of the permit fee? The cost of the permit fee varies based on the risk level assigned to your facility during the plan review. The current costs are Risk 1: $40.00, Risk 2: $132.25, Risk 3: $198.00, Risk 4: $264.50.
• What documents are required for the application and plan review? For retail facilities, a complete application and plan review should include a floor plan, menu, and a copy of the Food Manager's certificate. For manufacturers, it should include a floor/site plan, items processed or held, and when applicable, additional documents like HACCP Plan, Seafood HACCP Certification, Juice HACCP Certification, Approval of Water Source (if private), Approval of On-Site Wastewater System, Better Process Control School Certification, Food Safety Plan, and Label of Product(s).
• Where can I find more information about the food permit process? More information can be found on the MSDH website.

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