Manufactured Food Processing

The Alabama Department of Public Health regulates food manufacturing to provide wholesome, honestly presented, and safe products that feed people worldwide. The Manufactured Food Processing Program of the Food, Milk, and Lodging (FML) Division is authorized under the Alabama State Committee of Public Health, Environmental Services, Administrative Code Chapter 420-3-20 Food Processing Establishment Sanitation to permit and inspect these facilities.

• Manufactured food processing permits are required for commercial kitchens that manufacture, process, pack, hold, or prepare foods that are distributed to other businesses (wholesale) or for interstate (outside Alabama) distribution. A private residence (home kitchen) cannot obtain a Manufactured Food Processing Permit.
• Multiple businesses can share commercial kitchens used for manufacturing. However, each business must obtain a permit for its operation. Additional documentation will be required for permitting multiple businesses within the same location.
• Producing foods that will be sold directly to the consumer (retail) will require a Food Service Permit.
• Some operations may qualify as a Cottage Food business. Contact your Local County Health Department to submit the required form and supplemental documents.
• Producing foods that contain meat may require USDA inspections. Products that contain more than 3% raw or 2% cooked poultry, beef, pork, or lamb are under the USDA's jurisdiction.
• For information about their requirements, please contact the USDA Office of Field Operations in Jackson, MS—District 90 at (601) 965-4312 and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Meat and Poultry Inspection Program.

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