Depending on your current licensing status, where and how long you're going to operate, types of food and other factors, there are different licensing types that your mobile food unit may fall into.
Mobile food units (MFU) reciprocity license
Minnesota Department of Agriculture licensed mobile food units do not require additional licensing in our jurisdiction. We offer reciprocity licenses for Mobile Food Units that are currently licensed by:
- The Minnesota Department of Health, or
- The cities of Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Edina, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Richfield or Wayzata.
Applications
Mobile food units and seasonal stands
(Not currently licensed by Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Agriculture or one of the following cities: Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Edina, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Richfield or Wayzata.)
Mobile food units and seasonal stands that don’t qualify for reciprocity licensing must go through a plan review process prior to the licensing process.
Short-term special event food license (ITIN) license
We issue two types of short-term food licenses, regular and low risk. Please submit your application with payment at least 10 days prior to the event.
Additional information
Exemptions
These exemptions only apply if an event is held in the organization's buildings or on their property.
Faith-based organizations serving food, holding fund-raisers or community events
A certified food manager or volunteer trained in a food safety course must be there.
Tax-exempt fraternal, sportsman or patriotic organizations holding events at which home-prepared food is donated by organization members and sold
- The event is not a circus, carnival or fair
- The organization controls the admission of persons to the event, the event agenda, or both
- The organization's licensed kitchen (if they have one) is not used in any manner for the event
School concession stands; fraternal, sportsman and patriotic organizations; post disaster service events