Monday, December 13, 2010

Guidance for Food Processing / Packaging in Michigan Food Service Establishments

Food service operators occasionally wish to prepare, package and label food for later use by the consumer. This is considered to be food processing / packaging. Packaged means bottled, canned, cartoned, securely bagged, or securely wrapped. Packaged does not include a wrapper, carry-out box, or other non-durable container used to containerize food with the purpose of facilitating food protection during service and receipt of the food by the consumer.

The local health department (LHD) will provide assistance in determining the steps necessary to conduct a lawful and safe operation. The establishment owner must comply with various regulations and is advised to consult with their local health department prior to beginning processing / packaging operations. A licensed food service establishment doesn’t require additional state licensure to conduct processing / packaging operations. However, there are a number of state and federal laws that need to be met, depending upon the product and process.

Should an existing licensed establishment begin processing / packaging operations that do not comply with the various processing laws, enforcement action may be conducted by the: local health department, Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
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