Food Processing Establishment License

Any business that sells packaged foods that are ready to eat needs a Food Processing Establishment License from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

What is food processing?

Food processing is the handling of food in any way that could make it unsafe if not done right. This includes:

• Manufacturing
• Canning
• Preserving
• Freezing
• Drying
• Dehydrating
• Juicing
• Pickling
• Baking
• Brining
• Bottling
• Packing
• Repacking
• Pressing
• Waxing
• Heating or cooking
• Any other treatment that could make food unsafe

Who needs this license?

Retail food stores that prepare food need this license. This includes:

• Grinding meat or slicing cheese
• Heating foods
• Sandwich and drink machines
• Making sushi
• Salad bars
• Other ready-to-eat food packaging