Food Processing Establishments | Vermont Department of Health

On July 1, the Health Department adopted the Manufactured Food Emergency Rule to align with Act 42 (2025). Act 42 changes the requirements for claiming a licensing exemption for certain types of small food processors. Read about the changes for license exempt food processors and cottage food operators.

What You Need to Know About Getting a Food Processing License

You will need a food processing license if you are operating a manufacturing facility to make products like salsa, sauce, salad dressing, coffee, beverages, snacks, candy, chocolate, condiments, jam and jelly, etc. Warehouses and distribution centers also need this type of license.

How to Get a Food Processor License

Determine which license you need.

Apply for the license category based on expected gross annual sales.
In rare cases, a license is not required. Read about a license exemption for food processors with annual sales of $10,000 or less and cottage food operators with annual sales of $30,000 or less of cottage food products.

Contact other state and local agencies.

Contact the Department of Taxes to set up a tax account.
Contact the Department of Environmental Conservation to obtain or change a wastewater permit.
- Search for a wastewater permit or contact a DEC regional office if you have questions about wastewater permits.
Contact the Secretary of State's office to register a business name.
Contact the Department of Public Safety for fire safety, electrical or plumbing inspections.
Contact the Health Department lab or other certified lab to test a private water source.

Submit a complete application packet.

Fill out an online application or print the application and mail it in.
Submit the application at least 30 days before you plan to open.
Include a copy of the wastewater permit, if necessary.
Include water test results, if necessary.

Pass an opening inspection.

Review the Manufactured Food Rule.
Contact a public health inspector to schedule an opening inspection or if you have questions.
Complete an opening inspection. You are approved to begin operating after you pass and have all permits in place from other agencies.
The license will be emailed to you. You must print the license and post it at the physical location.
License applications may be considered abandoned six months after submission if all the requirements for licensure are not met. Refunds will not be issued for abandoned applications.

Apply Online Print a Food Processor License Application Renew Your License

Translated Information

Specific Information About:

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act and Food Facility Registration

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) overhauled the way it regulates food facilities with the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). FDA has finalized seven major rules as part of the Act. Find more about the rules and related programs of the FSMA.

Certain small food facilities may qualify for modified requirements if they file a Qualified Facility Attestation. Read more about the Qualified Facilities Determination.

Most food facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for human or animal consumption in the United States are required to register with the Food & Drug Administration. Use these resources to find out more about the requirements:

Processors’ Food Safety Toolkit

The Processors' Food Safety Toolkit is a resource collection to help very small and small processors get started with Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCHF) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The toolkit was developed by food safety experts, academics, regulators and practitioners from Northeast states that make up the Northeast Center to Advance Food Safety (NECAFS).

Processors' Food Safety Toolkit

Small-scale Food Processor Exemptions

There are certain conditions where very small food processors are exempt from licensing. Read about license exemptions for food manufacturers and cottage food operators. Please note that claiming an exemption from the licensing requirements does not exempt an establishment from compliance with the food safety and sanitation requirements in the Manufactured Food Rule, nor does the exemption prevent a public health inspector from inspecting your establishment to ensure those requirements are being complied with and investigating any potential health hazards.

File an Exemption Form Online

Important Resources for You

Guide to Opening a Food Processing Establishment

Application for License to Operate a Food Processor Establishment

Manufactured Food Rule

Current Good Manufacturing Practice, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Preventive Controls

More Resources for You

Title	Description
FDA Guidance for Industry: Food Labeling Guide	Labeling and nutrition guidance documents from the Food & Drug Administration.
Food Processing Authorities	Search a list of food processing authorities provided by the Association of Food & Drug Officials (AFDO).
Labeling for Food Producers and Processors	UVM fact sheet for clarifying label requirements on food products commonly sold in Vermont.
When You're Healthy, We're All Healthy	Video for food establishments to share with food workers about how to keep illnesses from spreading.
Training Documentation Template I	Use this template to record trainings at your establishment. This option is for a running list of all trainings.
Training Documentation Template II	Use this template to record trainings at your establishment. This option is for tracking each training by topic.
Log Sheets	Print these food safety log sheet templates for use in your establishment.
Manufactured Food Rule	Full text of requirements for food processors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a product review from a process authority?

A process authority review is required before producing low-acid canned foods, acidified foods, or if it is requested by the Health Department. Search the Directory of Food Processing Authorities.

What needs to be on the product label?

Basic labeling requirements for products commonly made in Vermont can be found on this UVM Extension fact sheet. Detailed information about federal requirements can be found in the FDA Labeling & Nutrition Guidance for Industry.

Do I have to register with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)?

Food processors, warehouses, and distribution centers need to register with the FDA. Find more information here to evaluate requirements for your facility about FDA Food Facility Registration.

Where can I find out more about the Food Safety Modernization Act?

Read more about FSMA on the Food & Drug Administration website.

Who is my health inspector?

Use the map to find a public health inspector in your area.