Food Manufacturers who produce and sell food to the public need to comply with specific licensing requirements. This article outlines the activities that necessitate a food manufacturer license and provides examples of businesses typically requiring such a license.
Food manufacturers engaged in processing, packaging, or distributing food products for wholesale or retail sale require a license. This includes a wide range of activities, from processing and packaging any food product (including dietary supplements, ice, and water) to repackaging existing food items for different distribution channels.
Businesses that sell vended or bottled water, or those involved in bagging ice, also fall under the licensing requirements. Furthermore, companies that use “private labeling,” meaning they put their name and address on a product label even if another company manufactures it, must obtain a food manufacturer license. Finally, any establishment that packages food and displays it for customer self-service, including retail food service operations, must also be licensed.
A diverse array of food businesses require food manufacturer licenses. Bakeries, bottling/canning plants producing various food and beverage products, and dietary supplement manufacturers and distributors all need to be licensed.
Grocery stores with in-house meat markets, delicatessens, or bakeries that package food for customer self-service also require a license. Other examples include ice bagging/wholesaling operations, ice plants, and businesses involved in juice packaging.
Companies that process and package fresh produce, such as cutting and packaging vegetables, shelling and packaging nuts, or washing and packaging produce off-site from the farm, also require licensing. Restaurants and other food service operations that package food on-site for customer self-service also fall under this requirement.
Seafood processors, bottled water vendors, wineries, and breweries are additional examples of businesses that need to secure a food manufacturer license to operate legally. These businesses handle products that require careful regulation to ensure consumer safety and quality control. Licensing ensures that food manufacturers adhere to established standards and procedures. Navigating the regulatory landscape for food production can be complex. However, understanding the licensing requirements is crucial for food manufacturers to operate legally and maintain consumer trust.
