food safety

Limited Food Establishment

The Department’s Limited Food Establishment program registers home-based and noncommercial food production sites that meet specific guidelines. In this program, we refer to 'limited food processors' or 'residential-style kitchens' as any kitchen meant for home use, regardless of location. These kitchens can only make non-hazardous foods that do not require refrigeration of the finished product.

Given the restrictions and possible testing for home kitchens, close monitoring is essential. Registration involves inspection of the food production site on a routine basis by the Department. Registration includes sales direct from the production site including internet sales; however, businesses aiming to sell across state lines might also need FDA registration. A Retail Food Facility License may also be required for sales at an event or Farmer’s Market.

Limited Food Processors: Anyone wishing to prepare food from home or home style kitchen

Download and/or print, the Application Packet - Limited Food Establishment.

All material must be submitted at least 60 days prior to operating. Failure to provide all required information can delay and/or deny your plan review. Email is the preferred method of plan review submission.

Email your completed application and requested documentation or mail / fax to:

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Food Safety and Laboratory Services
Attn: Plan Review
2301 N. Cameron St, Room 112
Harrisburg, PA 17110

Fax: 717-787-1873

E-mail: RA-AGPLANREVIEW@pa.gov

Do not send money with this application

The Department of Agriculture will review the plans and notify you of its approval/disapproval within 15 business days

If Approved:

You will receive an approval letter via email.
An inspector will schedule an on-site inspection of the facility
Upon a compliant inspection, your registration fee will be collected, and a Food Establishment Registration issued

If not Approved:

You will be sent a letter describing why the plans were not approved. Applicants are encouraged to re-submit the plans again with the corrected or requested information.

If inspection is not passed:

You will be provided with an inspection report stating your deficiencies. When deficiencies are corrected, you can contact your inspector to request another inspection.

Renewal of licenses occurs annually with notification to proprietors approximately 45 days prior to the current expiration date. Renewals can also be processed online with a user account and unique business code. You can look up your facility's business ID code on the public facility search page to proceed with online renewal.