Do I need a license?
The Oregon Department of Agriculture is responsible for regulating production, processing, and distribution of food products. If you plan to operate a restaurant, host temporary food service events, or operate a mobile food cart, contact your local county health department for a license.
The Oregon Department of Agriculture offers licenses for the following types of food establishments
- Retail: Stores with packaged foods or bulk foods.
- Bakery: Bread, rolls, cakes, pies, doughnuts, cookies, biscuits, crackers, and all similar goods.
- Food processing and warehousing: Production or storage and distribution of food.
- Cannabis: Businesses that process or bake cannabis containing foods or have a warehouse or a retail store for foods containing cannabis will require a Food Processing, Bakery, Warehouse or Retail license. You may need to contact other government agencies for additional licenses and permits.
- Home (domestic) kitchen processing and baking: Foods made in your home kitchen.
- Meat: Slaughter, preparation, or sale of raw meat (see food processing section for seafood).
- Eggs: Handling and distribution.
- Shellfish: Clams, oysters, mussels, whole scallops only.
- Dairy: Producing, transporting, and processing fluid milk and dairy products.
- Non-alcoholic beverage: Soda waters, mineral waters, and other carbonated beverages.
- Pet food: Pet treats or food containing raw or cooked meat.
- Refrigerated locker: Individual rental compartments for frozen food storage.
You may need to contact other government agencies to determine if you need a business license or any additional licenses or permits.
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