In North Dakota, a food processing license is required to process, manufacture, package, label, or store food and drink products intended for human consumption and to sell these products to other businesses (wholesale) which then sell the products to the end consumer. Registration with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also required for all food processors.
A retail food establishment license is required for direct sales of temperature control for safety (TCS) food to the end consumer. If both food processing for wholesale and retail food sales of TCS food is part of your business, a multiple food establishment license may apply. Food processors manufacturing food products that do not require time and temperature controls for safety or are not offered for direct sale to the end consumer do not need a retail food establishment license but will still need a food processing license and an FDA registration.
Manufactured and Processed Food Licensing
Regulatory Code
- North Dakota Food Code: A Guide for Food Handlers
- North Dakota Food Code: A Guide For Food Handlers Spanish
- North Dakota Food Code (North Dakota Century Code 33-33-04.1) - Effective January 1, 2024 (Adoption of the United States Food and Drug Administration 2017 Food Code by reference)
- FDA Food Code 2017 (Click the link “Food Code 2017” and the link “Supplement to the Food Code 2017” at the bottom of the page for a complete copy of the FDA Food Code 2017)
- MEMO: North Dakota Food Code Changes - Effective January 1, 2024
- North Dakota Century Code 23-09 – Pertaining to Food Establishments
- North Dakota Administrative Code 33-33-08 – Food Establishment License Fees
- North Dakota Century Code 19-02.1 – North Dakota Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
Additional Information
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration:
- Section 415 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) [21 U.S.C. § 350d] requires food processors to register with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Registration of Food Facilities
Contact the FDA for technical assistance at 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) or submit an inquiry electronically at https://cfsan.secure.force.com/Inquirypage/ - Food Labeling Guide – Guidance for Industry
- Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens – Guidance for Industry
- Establishment Registration & Process for Filing for Acidified and Low-Acid Canned Foods
- Section 415 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) [21 U.S.C. § 350d] requires food processors to register with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Food Entrepreneurship – NDSU Extension Food Entrepreneur Guide
- Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)
- Guidance for Special Processing Methods
- Food Employee Food Safety Training
- Clean-Up and Disinfection for Diarrheal and Vomiting Events (8.5x11 poster, black and white)
- Clean-Up and Disinfection for Diarrheal and Vomiting Events (8.5x11 poster, color)
- Labeling Requirements
- Illness in Food Service - Responsibilities of the Person in Charge
- Handwashing Poster (English)
- Handwashing Poster (Spanish)
- Manual Dishwashing Procedures Poster (English)
- Manual Dishwashing Procedures Poster (Spanish)
- Notice of Inspection Poster
- Service Animals