Local Food Regulations

"Is this legal?" That's a question often asked about local food sales.

Check the charts below for basic information, and then talk to your local inspector about your specific plans.

For more information about federal law that supports local sourcing of foods by schools, see this fact sheet from the National Farm to School Initiative.

Food Type	Regulations for Buying from Farmers
Meat and Poultry	Some livestock farmers in the state are able to sell meat to food services. The meat needs to be processed at a USDA processing plant or a Minnesota state "Equal-To" processing plant, where there is an inspector present when the animal is slaughtered. Meat processed at Minnesota state "Equal-To" plants is the same as meat processed at a USDA plant for all purposes except for shipping across state lines. If meat is processed at an "Equal-To" plant in Minnesota, and sold to any buyer within Minnesota, that is fine. The farmer needs a food handler's license only if he or she is selling multi-ingredient meat products, such as sausage or smoked meats. If just plain cuts of meat are being sold, the State of Minnesota does not require the farmer to hold a food handler's license. Meat rules are a little more complicated for bison, which technically are not considered domesticated livestock. Inspection of bison meat is voluntary, and uninspected bison meat can be sold. Schools should check with bison producers to make sure they are having their animals processed under inspection, at either a USDA plant or a Minnesota "Equal-To" plant. Fact Sheet for Buying Meat
Fruits & Vegetables	It is legal for any buyer to purchase fresh, raw produce from any farmer. If a farmer is selling fresh, raw produce that he or she grew on his or her own farm, no license is needed. A farmer would need a license to re-sell another farmer's produce. Different rules apply if a farmer is selling a processed (canned, frozen, pickled, dried or otherwise altered) product. Fact Sheet for Buying Produce
Grains	Whole, unprocessed grains fall under the same rules as raw, unprocessed vegetables and fruits. Any buyer can purchase from any farmer. Milled grains -- meal or flour -- must be produced and stored at a facility that is inspected and approved by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Some farmers in the state have these approved on-farm milling facilities.

Your Local Inspector

Sales of local foods by farmers to retail buyers -- restaurants, grocery stores, and institutions -- have soared in recent years. Some local county and city health inspectors are not aware of all of the state rules that support these types of sales.

If there seems to be an issue with how regulations are interpreted at the local level, contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Dairy and Food Inspection Division to ask for clarification: 651-201-6627.