Licensing

Food processing means manufacturing a food or changing the physical characteristics of a food.

Food processing includes

• Cooking
  
• Baking
  
• Heating
  
• Drying
  
• Mixing
  
• Grinding
  
• Churning
  
• Separating
  
• Extracting
  
• Cutting
  
• Freezing
  
• Packaging
  
• Canning
  

Food processing does not include

Food storage warehouse means any place where food is stored as, in connection with, or part of a commercial venture or business.

A food processor that warehouses finished product at the same location where the food is processed does not require a warehouse license.

Preventive controls for human food

Combination facilities

Combination facilities​ are food establishments that conduct activities subject to both Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and Oregon Healthy Authority (OHA) County Health Department licensing. Examples of combination facilities include: 

• Markets with food service or onsite dining 
• Bakeries with food service or onsite dining
• Wineries that offer restaurant service in addition to brewing alcoholic beverages 
• Restaurants that sell packaged foods for later consumption
  

To make the most efficient use of our customers’ and the agencies’ resources, ODA and OHA have maintained a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) about combination facilities since 1986. The MOU states that in nearly all cases, only one agency will license and inspect a food establishment. To determine which agency licenses and inspects an establishment, ODA and the local County Health Department will determine whether the predominant activity is food preparation for immediate consumption or food preparation and sale for later consumption. Depending on the determination, the county and ODA will refer the business to the appropriate regulatory agency.  ​

Resources