Food Code and Food Facility Permits

USFDA and Mississippi Food Codes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Food Code applies throughout Mississippi, with additional state regulations noted below.

• 2009 FDA Food Code
• Additional Mississippi Food Regulations
  Mississippi's regulations make some alterations to the FDA Food Code. In particular, only establishments that charge for food prepared or served are subject to regulation in the state.
• Cottage Food Production
  Questions and answers for home food producers with sales less than $20,000 a year.

Plan Review Guide

• FDA guide to the review of food facility building plans

Obtaining a Food Permit
Restaurants and caterers can obtain a food facility permit through our permit and inspection process:

• Contact your local health department
• Complete an application
• Passing our inspection

More details can be found in the Permits section.

• More about food permits and inspections

All requirements of the Food Code are applicable to catering operations. Also keep in mind that:

• You cannot cater out of a home kitchen. You may be able to use a separate room in your home, with an outside entrance, for your catering operation. Check for any city ordinances that may be applicable.

• Before opening a catering business, contact the environmentalist at the local health department in the county where you plan to operate.