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Minnesota Statewide Rule

Minnesota Mobile Food Unit Licensing Statewide

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Minnesota (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
Minn. Stat. 157.15-.16
Code
Minn. R. 4626
Commissary
Required base
Inspection
Annual minimum
Reciprocity
License valid statewide
Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: Minnesota Revisor of Statutes

Summary

Minnesota Statute 157.16 requires every mobile food unit to be licensed by the Department of Health or Department of Agriculture. The state license is portable across cities, though local permits for parking and zoning still apply.

157.16 LICENSES REQUIRED; FEES. § Subdivision 1. License required annually. A license is required annually for every person, firm, or corporation engaged in the business of conducting a food and beverage service establishment, youth camp, hotel, motel, lodging establishment, public pool, or resort. Any person wishing to operate a place of business licensed in this section shall first make application, pay the required fee specified in this section, and receive approval for operation, including plan review approval. Special event food stands are not required to submit plans. Nonprofit organizations operating a special event food stand with multiple locations at an annual one-day event shall be issued only one license. Application shall be made on forms provided by the commissioner and shall require the applicant to state the full name and address of the owner of the building, structure, or enclosure, the lessee and manager of the food and beverage service establishment, hotel, motel, lodging establishment, public pool, or resort; the name under which the business is to be conducted; and any other information as may be required by the commissioner to complete the application for license. All fees collected under this section shall be deposited in the state government special revenue fund. § Subd. 2. License renewal.

Source: Minnesota Revisor of StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

All food trucks, carts, and trailers serving the public must be licensed as a mobile food unit under Minn. Stat. 157.15 and 157.16. The Minnesota Department of Health licenses units serving full-service or potentially hazardous foods, while the Department of Agriculture licenses prepackaged or limited operations. Licensees must operate from a licensed commissary or base of operations, follow Minn. R. 4626 food code requirements, and pass annual inspections. The state license authorizes operation statewide, preempting any city requirement to obtain a separate health license. Cities retain authority over zoning, parking, and right-of-way permits.

Violations & Penalties

Operating without a state license is a misdemeanor with potential immediate cease-operation orders. Repeat violations may trigger license revocation and embargo of food product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate license in each city?
No for health licensing. The state mobile food unit license is valid statewide. Cities may still require business, parking, or zoning permits for their jurisdiction.
What is a commissary?
A licensed fixed food establishment used for food storage, preparation, and unit cleaning. Mobile units must report to a commissary daily under Minn. R. 4626.
Can I operate from home?
Generally no. Home kitchens do not qualify as commissaries under state code, though limited cottage food sales follow separate rules under Minn. Stat. 28A.152.

Sources

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