Obtaining a Food Permit
MSDH now processes food facility permits electronically through the following permit and inspection process:
Step 1: Request a Plan Review packet by emailing us.
- Retail facilities and caterers: send e-mail to food@msdh.ms.gov.
- Manufactured food producers: send e-mail to mfgfoods@msdh.ms.gov
Step 2: Complete the Food Permit application and Plan Review. Send it to the address listed on the Plan Review, or e-mail it to food@msdh.ms.gov (retail facilities) or mfgfoods@msdh.ms.gov (manufacturers)
To expedite our review please ensure the following:
- Put your facility name on the subject line of the e-mail and on all the documents you submit.
Provide a complete application and plan review including:
Retail
- Floor plan
- Menu
- Copy of the Food Manager's certificate
Manufacturers
- Floor/site plan
- Items processed or held
When applicable, include:
- HACCP Plan (Risk category 3 or 4)
- Seafood HACCP Certification
- Juice HACCP Certification
- Approval of Water Source (if private)
- Approval of On-Site Wastewater System
- Better Process Control School Certification
- Food Safety Plan
- Label of Product(s)
Please allow 48 hours for us to acknowledge receipt of your application.
Review of a completed application may take up to 30 days.
Step 3: Once we receive your plan review package, you will be e-mailed a link to pay the plan review fee of $224.25. Use the link in the e-mail to pay the plan review fee, or pay online using your facility ID at www.ms.gov/msdh/environmental/Food. The plan review fee must be paid for online before the plan review will begin.
Step 4: You should receive an invoice for your permit fee via email once your application has been reviewed and approved.
Step 5: Use the link in the e-mail that you receive from us to pay the permit fee, or pay online at www.ms.gov/msdh/environmental/Food. Enter the "Permit ID Number" exactly as it appears on your invoice. Permits must be paid for online before an inspection can take place.
Permit Payment
The Division of Food Protection now uses an online payment system and no longer accepts checks or cash in county offices. There is a small processing fee associated with online payment.
Pay online at www.ms.gov/msdh/environmental/food using the Permit ID Number exactly as it appears on your invoice.
If you have not received an invoice, call the Division of Food Protection at 601-576-7689.
Permit fees
The cost of an annual food permit is determined by the risk level assigned to your facility during plan review, and will be evaluated yearly at the time of facility inspection. The annual permitting fee for all facilities has been increased by 15% effective August 21, 2017. The revised costs are (subject to change):
- Risk 1: $40.00
- Risk 2: $132.25
- Risk 3: $198.00
- Risk 4: $264.50
Re-inspections
Re-inspections following one of our regular facility inspections may be requested by owners when they have made corrections that they believe may result in an improved inspection grade.
Re-inspection fee: $165.00