Starting a Food Manufacturing Business in TN

Whenever a food establishment is constructed, remodeled or whenever an existing structure is converted to use as a food establishment, plans and specifications must be submitted to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), Consumer & Industry Services, prior to the start of construction, remodeling or conversion.  Construction of the food establishment cannot begin until TDA has completed their review and given their approval. 

All manufacturers are required to obtain a license in accordance with Tennessee Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and Chapter 0080-04-13.

Licenses may be obtained through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Consumer & Industry Services.

  • Complete the Food Manufacturing online application or submit the Food Establishment Manufacturer / Warehouse Plan Review Questionnaire.
  • Submit all documentation listed in the Application Checklist All Manufacturers.
  • Please see the Application Checklist Acidified Foods for additional requirements for shelf-stable acidified food requirements.
  • Proof of the manufacturer’s registration with the Tennessee Department of Revenue or business license issued by a local governmental authority.
  • A copy of water approval from local environmental field office or TN Dept. of Environment and Conservation if water is anything other than from an approved municipal source.
  • Flow diagrams of your proposed processes.
  • Proposed plans of the food manufacturing facility drawn to scale showing the location of equipment, sinks, drains, plumbing, and electrical.
  • All labels for proposed products manufactured or packaged.

License fees are determined by the size of the manufacturer’s facility and the degree of risk the manufacturer poses for outbreak of food borne illness. An establishment greater than 10,000 square feet must obtain a Large Facility license. An establishment equal to or smaller 10,000 square feet must obtain a Small Facility license. Tier determination is made by the department. It is based on the nature of the product and operation that defines the manufacturer’s risk of a food borne illness outbreak. 

  1. Food Manufacturer License, Large Facility – Risk Level 1:  Tier 11 License Fee - $750.00
  2. Food Manufacturer License, Small Facility – Risk Level 1:  Tier 10 License Fee - $500.00
  3. Food Manufacturer License, Large Facility – Risk Level 2:  Tier 7 License Fee - $300.00
  4. Food Manufacturer License, Small Facility – Risk Level 2:  Tier 5 License Fee - $200.00
  5. Food Manufacturer License, Large Facility – Risk Level 3:  Tier 3 License Fee - $100.00
  6. Food Manufacturer License, Small Facility – Risk Level 3:  Tier 2 License Fee - $50.00

The invoice will be emailed upon approval of the application. This must be paid before an inspection can be scheduled.

Yes, paying with a credit card can be completed over the phone by calling the office at (615) 837-5193 or through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Trace First CoreOne LCP Portal. Payments may also be issued by check to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Please include the name of the business, address, and invoice number for which the license will be issued to. Checks may be mailed to:

Tennessee Department of Agriculture P.O. Box 111359, Nashville, Tennessee 37222-1359

Payment is due once the application has been approved.

The permit will be issued upon passing the initial inspection.

Any changes to the information or contents of an application are to be submitted in writing to this department within 30 days after the changes take place.

Renewal is done annually and licenses expire June 30 of each year. Invoices are automatically generated. Online payments can be made through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture Trace First CoreOne LCP Portal.

If an applicant for renewal fails to remit payment of the license fee on or before July 15th of the licensure year, they are required to pay a late charge of an additional 50% of the permit fee prior to renewal of the applicant’s license.

Any warehouse or establishment in the State of Tennessee where food is held for introduction into commerce is required to be licensed.

A food warehouse license is not required for any establishment licensed as a food manufacturer at the same location, unless there is distribution of additional products other than what the manufacturer produces.

Fees are based on the nature of the warehouse’s operations and the degree of risk the warehouse poses for outbreak of food borne illness.

  • Temperature Controlled Warehouse - $300.00
  • Dry Warehouse - $100.00