Application / Inspection Areas

 

Follow these steps to sell food in Nebraska. Click on each step to learn more.

  • No person shall operate a (food) establishment without a valid permit which sets forth the types of operation occurring within the establishment. Food establishments must be in compliance with the Nebraska Food Code. Food processing plants must comply with the Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packing, or Holding Human Food found in 21 C.F.R. part 110.
  • Application for a permit shall be made prior to the operation of a food establishment, food processing plant, or salvage operation.
    • Inspections MUST take place prior to a food establishment operating. If the food establishment, food processing plant, or salvage operation has been in operation prior to applying for a permit, the applicant shall pay an additional fee of $60.
  • Food permits are non-transferable to any other person or location. Any permit issued lapses automatically upon change of ownership or location. For changes, please contact your food inspector.
  • If you plan to operate a retail food establishment in Lancaster, Douglas, or Hall County, your request for permit will be forwarded to the appropriate jurisdiction and we will direct you accordingly.
  • Request for permit should be submitted for review 60 days prior to target opening date to avoid delays.

  • Please fill out the Request for Permit document and submit to agr.foodsafety@nebraska.gov.
    • IMPORTANT: complete the information in the Request for Permit with as much detail as possible to avoid delays in permitting.
  • What to expect after your Request for Permit has been submitted:
    • Within 10 business days:
      • A member of our food safety team will confirm the receipt of your application.
    • Within 30 days:
      • An inspector may contact you to schedule an inspection; or
      • A member of our food safety team may contact you to request more information or discuss details of your application.

  • At the time of your inspection, an NDA inspector will require the following information to complete your application:
    1. Applicant's full name
    2. Mailing address
    3. Names and addresses of any partners, members, or corporate officers
    4. Name and address of the person authorized by the applicant to receive the notices and orders of the Department as provided in the Nebraska Pure Food Act
    5. Whether the applicant is an individual, partnership, LLC, corporation, or other legal entity
    6. Location and type of proposed establishment or operation
    7. Signature of the applicant


More questions? Call the NDA office at 402-471-3422 or email agr.foodsafety@nebraska.gov.

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Foods Program Manager: Caitlyn Andrews, 402-471-2537