Skip to main content

Food Establishment License

Looking for information for a food establishment, such as a retail grocery store, gas station, or convenience store?

Who needs a license to sell food?

A food establishment license is required in almost all instances where food is commercially handled or served to the general public.

The Michigan Food Law of 2000 requires the licensing of any person or firm that processes, packs, cans, preserves, freezes, fabricates, stores, prepares, serves, sells, or offers food. 

Which agency manages my license?

If you primarily sell, store, or manufacture food, the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development manages your Food Establishment license. Examples of such establishments include:

  • Retail grocery store, convenience store, party store
  • Bakery, fish market, butcher shop, candy store, produce market
  • Food warehouse, distribution center, transfer station, public cold storage facility
  • Large or small food processing plant including:
    • Ice, water, juice or soft drink plant
    • Winery, brewery, or distillery
    • Egg grading & packing plant
    • Fruit & vegetable repacking operation, or brining station
    • Flour mill or cereal plant
    • Cider mill, maple syrup or honey house
    • Food salvage or reclamation center
  • State or county fair concession

If you primarily serve food that can be immediately consumed, you need a food service license. Contact your Local Health Department. Examples:

  • Restaurant, cafeteria, grill, cafe, delicatessen
  • Bar, brewpub, tavern, or nightclub
  • Rental hall, theater, commissary, catering kitchen
  • Donut shop, lunch counter, sandwich shop, soda fountain, coffee shop
  • Catering truck
  • Temporary food service stand at a festival, event, or flea market
  • Vending machine
  • Transitory food unit, like a food truck

If your business is primarily dairy-related, you will need a dairy-specific license. Examples:

  • Dairy processing / manufacturing
    • bottled milk
    • cheese
    • butter
    • yogurt
  • Dairy hauler
  • Milk transportation company