Food Safety Program Licensing Information​​​

Attention: The Food and Drug Branch (FDB) cannot share information regarding an application to anyone other than an owner and/or an approved signatory/authorized individual for the business. Please provide a letter signed by the owner or person authorized to add additional authorized representative(s) to the license file including the name, email address and/or phone number.

Renewal Applicants

• ​It is the responsibility of the firm to renew their license in a timely manner. It is unlawful to operate without a valid license and may be subject to regulatory action.
• All applications are processed in the order received.
• Incomplete applications will result in delays, and a deficiency notice will be sent out requesting missing items. To avoid such delays, please ensure your application is filled out in its entirety, including any necessary supporting documentation, correct license application fee amount, and penalty fees if applicable. 
  

New Applicants

• ​​Completed applications may take 2-3 weeks upon receipt before they can be sent for assignment to an inspector who will contact the authorized representative(s) listed on the application.
• Incomplete applications will result in delays and will not be sent to the inspection team until a fully completed application packet is received. You will receive a deficiency letter via postal mail or e-mail if missing items are requested.
• Applications and associated inspections are scheduled in the order received and according to the preparedness of the applicants. 
• ​​If the firm is not ready at the time contacted by the inspector, your place will not be held in queue.
• License issuance occurs after an inspection is conducted and only if your firm is fully complaint with applicable laws and regulations.
  

Payment Information​​

• All fees are nonreturnable.
• The FDB does not have an online payment system and only accepts payments in the form of a check, cashier’s check, or money order. 
• Please verify with your bank if your check has cleared. This will act as your informal confirmation that your payment has been received, and your application is in process.
• Payments received without supporting documentation may be returned.

License Certificates

• ​​Licenses are mailed via United States Postal Service regular mail without tracking numbers.
• Please allow up to 30 days upon license issuance for the United States Postal Service to deliver your certificate. If you have not received the license in the mail after 30 days, you may request another copy to be sent to the same mailing address or an alternative address.
• Copies of license certificates requested after 60 days of issuance will require a formal letter and payment of $15.00 per copy, mailed to the FDB.
  

Ownership Changes and Facility Relocations

• ​A change of ownership or a change of facility location will require a new application submission.
• Licenses are nontransferable.​