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January 31, 2024 - Questions about this information? Contact us.
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Key Information
Food businesses and entrepreneurs in Michigan should make sure they are staying up to date on proper licensing and following health code and safety procedures to ensure the well-being of their food consumers. For assistance with your food business, the Michigan State University Extension Product Center is a resource for Michigan-based packaged food and beverage manufacturers to develop business plans and understand licensing and regulatory steps for launching food and beverage products.
Regulatory Body and Contact Information
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): (833) ONE-USDA
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD): (800) 292-3939
- Local Health Department
Helpful Resources
- MSU Product Center
- MSU Extension
- MSU Extension Michigan Cottage Food Law information and workshops
- Local Health Department
- MSU Extension Food Safety Hotline: (877) 643-9882
- Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Important Note
All food and beverage products (even similar items) may have different regulations depending on what ingredients are used, the location or facility in which it is being produced, the packaging materials used, the distribution or shipping methods, as well as a variety of other factors. Licensing and regulation for food and beverage production in Michigan is administered by local Health Departments, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), local zoning regulations, and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).
To guide you through the process of launching your food or beverage business, Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s Product Center is an organization that brings together on-campus expertise in the sectors of food, agriculture, and natural resources to help entrepreneurs define and launch innovative products. Field-based innovation counselors advise entrepreneurs on a variety of services, including business planning, packaging and labeling rules, licensing and regulatory requirements, marketing, branding, distribution, product testing, and other product development needs.
To access business development assistance from the MSU Product Center staff, select the “Become a Client” button on the MSU Product Center website. There is a $100 application fee to join, which grants clients access to unlimited counseling hours. We also ask that clients sign a confidentiality agreement to protect their information.
If you have specific questions about how your product will be regulated, you may reach out to your Local Health Department or the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).
