To open a food truck in Minnesota, you need to meet specific licensing and food safety requirements. These include submitting a Plan Review Application to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), obtaining the appropriate licenses depending on your menu and operation location, and ensuring your food truck operates within the stipulated guidelines. Additionally, you may need to obtain health licenses and permits from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture or other local health departments, depending on your food items. If you plan to operate in Minneapolis, you must have a license for the truck or trailer used to prepare or serve food.
1. Plan Review Application
- Purpose: This application is necessary for beginning construction, remodeling, or conversion of an existing structure to a Mobile Food Unit (MFU), Seasonal Temporary Food Stand (STF), or Seasonal Permanent Food Stand (SPF). It helps the MDH review your proposed project and ensure it meets the necessary health and safety standards.
- How to Register: Submit the application to the MDH at least 30 days before beginning your project. The application should include your intended menu, a description of the proposed project, layout of the location of all equipment, and other details. Once your project is near completion, apply for a license and have your MFU, STF, or SPF inspected.
2. Mobile Food Unit (MFU) License
- Purpose: This license is required to operate a food truck in Minnesota. It is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
- How to Register: Contact the appropriate agency to discuss your business plan, review your plan, understand licensing requirements, and obtain applications. After a successful preoperational inspection, MDH will issue a license which must be prominently posted in the MFU, STF, or SPF at all times.
3. Health Licenses and Permits
- Purpose: These are necessary to ensure your food truck meets the health and safety standards set by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture or other local health departments.
- Estimated Cost: Not specified. However, some cities and counties offer discounted licenses if you already have the MDH License.
- How to Register: Check which health department your menu or food items fall under using the Licensing “Wizard” or Sorter Quiz. If you qualify for the MN Dept. of Agriculture License, you won't need any other health license in the state. Otherwise, you can license in the jurisdictions where you intend to serve most, or license with the MDH.
4. Food Truck License (Minneapolis)
- Purpose: This license is required to prepare or sell food from a motorized vehicle or trailer in Minneapolis.
- How to Register: Apply for the license through the City of Minneapolis. If your business already has a restaurant or on-sale alcohol license from the City and you want to apply for a food truck license, you must have the same ownership and kitchen.
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