Food & Vending

• Plan review - long form (PDF)
• Plan review - short form (PDF)
• Initial license application (PDF) (also use for ownership change)
• Mobile food unit and food cart license application (PDF)
• Temporary food service application (PDF)
• Vending machine license application (PDF)

Pay license fees online

• Use a checking/savings account or credit/debit card.
• Use the statement number found on your fee statement.
• Create a separate transaction for each fee statement paid.

Pay by mail

Send a check (payable to Ramsey County) or money order to:

Environmental Health Division
P.O. Box 64045
Saint Paul, MN 55164

Temporary food service establishments are any food operation not inside of, or on the immediate premises of, a permanently licensed food establishment.

Temporary food service establishments may operate up to 21 days in a calendar year.

All temporary food service establishments must obtain a license from the county before operating or late fees will be assessed.

• Temporary food service application (PDF)
• Servicing area agreement (PDF)

A mobile food unit/food cart must obtain a Ramsey County license if:

• Planning to operate in any Ramsey County city other than Maplewood and Saint Paul, and
• Is licensed by any agency other than the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). See below.

Application materials

• Mobile food unit and food cart license application (PDF)
• Servicing area agreement (PDF)

MDA-licensed retail mobile food handlers

A license is NOT required from Ramsey County if an establishment has a retail mobile food handler license from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, if:

• The MDA license is valid and on display.
• The licensee operates from the MDA-licensed mobile food unit or food stand.
• The licensee prepares and/or serves food within the limitations of the MDA license.

Food code

The standards with which food establishments must comply in the handling, storage, preparation and service of food to the retail food consumer.

• Ramsey County Food Protection Ordinance (PDF)
• Minnesota Food Code

Illness cleanup procedures

Minnesota food code now requires a plan for cleaning up vomit or diarrhea. Use the guidelines below.

• Vomit and diarrhea cleanup guidelines (PDF)

Employee illness log

The person in charge (PIC) is required to record all reports of diarrhea or vomiting made by employees as well as report the illness upon request. Use this template to track employee illnesses.

• Employee illness log (PDF)

Emergency handbook for food managers

This handbook provides information on natural, accidental and deliberate emergencies, a self-inspection checklist for food security, and tips to manage longer-term emergencies.

• Emergency handbook for food managers (PDF)

Food safety in emergencies

Resources to determine if food is safe and how to keep food safe in order to minimize waste and reduce the risk of food-borne illness.

• Minnesota Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control

Many establishments serving food must employ a Certified Food Protection Manager. Use the Minnesota Department of Health's database of food protection training and certification courses.