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Getting licensed to sell food products in Georgia

by Jay Stone
News Reporter

Posted on September 2, 2024 10:26 AM

Many farm owners pursue additional income by selling value-added farm products. Allison Strickland, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) South Georgia district manager for retail food safety, outlined license categories to sell food. 

The GDA regulates food sales establishments, where products are sold to the end user for use off premises. The Georgia Department of Public Health regulates food service establishments that sell products consumed on-site. For food businesses that do both, the type of license required and the state department with regulatory authority depends on which type of sales make up most of their business. 

The GDA has four food sales licensing tracks: Non-profit, cottage food, retail and wholesale food sales. The type of license required depends on where the food is consumed. Note that non-potentially hazardous foods are shelf stable and require no refrigeration or heating.

• Non-profit: No GDA license is required. Non-potentially hazardous foods can be made in a residential kitchen if sold at an event sponsored by a registered non-profit. Permits can be issued by the city/county where event is held. Permits are for five days maximum. Food sales must be to end users.

• Cottage food license: Non-potentially hazardous foods can be produced in a residential kitchen and sold at non-profit events, for-profit events, from home and over the internet in Georgia only. Sales must be to the end consumer. 

Cottage food items cannot be sold to other businesses. There is an annual $100 license renewal. A preoperational inspection is required. Reinspections will be done if there are consumer complaints or foodborne illness outbreaks. 

Licensing requirements include a cottage food license application, a notarized verification of lawful presence in the U.S. complying with federal immigration laws, copy of a state or federal ID, a food handlers course completion certificate, the applicant’s most recent water bill if using a public water source or water test results if using private water sources. 

For complete information about the GDA Cottage Food Licensing program and food products approved for it, visit www.gfb.ag/gdacottagefood .  

• Food sales establishments (retail & wholesale): Applies to non-potentially hazardous foods and potentially hazardous foods. Products cannot be produced in residential kitchens. A room separate from living quarters may be converted into a licensed commercial kitchen. Products can be sold at non-profit events, for-profit events, over the internet, and can be sold to stores and restaurants. Licensing fees are accessed in five tiers based on risk (1-$100, 2-$150, 3-$200, 4-$250, 5-$300).

Food sales operators should contact their local zoning board or business development offices to obtain an occupancy certificate. Those using private water sources are subject to annual water testing by the GDA. 

Food labeling requirements apply to food sales products. To review the GDA retail licensing guide, visit www.gfb.ag/gdaretailerfoodlicense.

Manufactured food licenses are for products distributed to stores, restaurants, interstate/intrastate commerce or exports. Manufactured food products include shellfish but not meat products, which are subject to the GDA meat inspection program or USDA licensing.

For detailed information about GDA food safety licensing visit www.gfb.ag/gdafood.