Retail Food Establishment License

About

License to operate an establishment which sells food or food products to customers intended for preparation or consumption off the premises. Grocery and convenience stores require a retail food establishment license in order to operate. Some retail food establishments also require a food service establishment license.

Code Citation Iowa Code Chapter 137F

Who Applies Any person wishing to sell food or food products to customers intended for preparation or consumption off the premises must apply for a license.

When To Apply Application must be received at least 30 days prior to the intended operating date and license issued before the establishment begins operation.

Initial Requirements All regulatory requirements must be met before a license is issued.

Duration License expires one year from the date issued.

Processing Time 30 days.

Fee Structure Annual License: $150 – $400, based upon the establishment\’s annual gross food and beverage sales.

Renewal Requirements Renewal applications and fees must be received prior to the license expiration date.

Exam Does not apply.

Additional Information Online applications and renewals are preferred, and are processed faster than paper applications. Renewals can be submitted up to 60 days prior to the license expiration date.