Are you looking to start a street food business and want to know how to get a license? here are 7 easy steps to become a licensed food supplier.
In the United States of America and most countries around the world, food or beverage related activities are highly regulated and as such, they must obtain licenses and permits before they can legally operate their business.
The food industry is one of the tricky industries as it prepares food for consumption by a large number of guests, which is why the company is subject to regular scrutiny by health officials. If you sell food in the United States of America, you are required by law to comply with industry rules and regulations.
This suggests that all food suppliers in the United States of America are permitted by the law of the country to apply for and obtain a food supplier license before they can legally sell any food or drink to the public. In fact, this license is not limited to mobile food truck operators.
Anyone who runs a commercial enterprise that sells a product or substance (including beverages) intended for human consumption, occupying a public space on that part of a street or highway being improved, designed or commonly used for car travel, for legitimate work in the United States of America will need a food supplier license. The truth is, if you intend to cook or sell food to the public without obtaining the required license, you could end up in jail.
If you are really interested in running a legitimate food business and want to become a licensed food supplier in the United States of America, here are some basic steps you can take to achieve your goal.
7 easy steps to become a licensed food seller
Step 1. Investigate the existing law on food suppliers
The first step in becoming a licensed food supplier is to know the applicable laws governing food suppliers in the city in which you intend to work, in the state in which you intend to work. to work and throughout the United States of America. It will help you to be well informed before deciding to obtain a license for your business.
An important step you should take to get the information you need about the law governing food vendors in the United States of America is to visit the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Sales Division. They will be more than willing to help you.
For example, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs is currently not authorized to issue street vendor licenses to those seeking to trade on city sidewalks. So, if you are planning to start this particular business, you need to change your strategy, otherwise you will not be able to get the required food supplier license.
Step 2. Register a business
Come to think of it, no one will give you a license to operate an unregistered business. So if you have drawn your conclusions and are ready to start and operate your food business in the United States, you need to register your business.
Please note that your organization is a limited liability company, limited liability company, partnership or in some cases a trust, such organization must be registered and in good standing with the Corporations Division. For more information, including getting help completing the application process, you should contact your state’s general affairs department.
Step 3: secure the kitchen
The next step in becoming a licensed food supplier in the United States of America is to provide kitchen equipment. This is very important and can be done with your business registration as you will need a physical address when registering your business and of course during regulatory review.
In fact, all applicants for the basic level street vendor business license category must be verified and / or approved to work at the Ministry of Health, Hygiene Inspection Division of food safety and the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, the Sales Division.
It is suggested that you build your kitchen to meet health, food safety, and hygiene requirements before you can become a licensed food vendor in the United States.
Step 4. Apply for a Food Supplier License
Finally, if your kitchen has been inspected and you have received regulatory approval, it means the coast is clean and you can apply for a food supplier license. The main things to have before applying for a food supplier license are the business registration certificate, kitchen equipment or mobile food truck or kiosk, the application fee and the form.
It is important to note that each state in the United States has its own requirements for issuing food licenses to applicants. For example, in Washington, DC, the license is valid for two (2) years (you must renew your food supplier license every two years).
The license is not available online, you are expected to visit it. their physical office to apply and obtain a license. As for the fees, this is what it looks like (license fee category: $ 338.00, registration fee: $ 70.00, incentive fee: $ 25.00, tech fee: 43, $ 30 and overhead: $ 476.30).
If you meet the anticipated requirements above, you will likely get a food vendor license and become a licensed food vendor in the United States of America. … This means that if you are not eligible to become a licensed food supplier in one city / state, you can try other cities or states.
