New 2022 food license-related legislation
The 89th Iowa General Assembly passed new legislation (HF2431) during the 2022 session that affects food licensing rules in Iowa.
Home food processing establishment licenses
HF2431 creates a new home food processing establishment (HFPE) license. This license will effectively replace home bakery licenses and adds the ability for licensees to make, package, and process other food products.
New HFPE license applications will be accepted once administrative rules have been approved and new procedures and mechanisms have been established and put into place. Those who do not currently have a food license may not sell food products under the provisions of this new license type until they have been granted a license. No new home bakery licenses will be issued after July 1, 2022.
At this time, it is expected the new HFPE license application will be available in the fall. Please check this website for additional updates, including answers to basic questions regarding what is and isn’t allowed with the new license. Or, click the blue button link below to sign up for DIA food business licensing news via email or SMS text.
“Cottage” food changes
HF 2431 also expands what foods can be prepared in the home and offered for sale directly from a producer to a consumer without licensing or inspections. Although there are some exceptions, beginning July 1, 2022, most foods that do not need to be kept cold or hot for safety may be sold directly to the consumer, provided they meet certain labeling requirements. Additional information on cottage foods will be available soon on our website. Click here to view the latest available cottage food law information. Or, click the blue button link below to sign up for DIA food business licensing news via email or SMS text.
New health care employment agency registration
The 89th Iowa General Assembly passed new legislation (HF2521) during the 2022 session requiring health care employment agencies that provide direct care staff to certain health care facilities in Iowa to register with DIA and pay an annual registration fee. Until such time that new administrative rules can be written and new procedures and mechanisms have been created and put into place, agencies will be unable to register with DIA, nor will they be penalized for noncompliance.
Once this occurs, the provisions of the newly-created Iowa Code 135Q will be enforced. It is expected that DIA will begin accepting this information in the fall. The administrative rules will be noticed and posted for comment soon.
Please check DIA's website for details moving forward, or click the blue button link below to sign up for updates about health care employment agency registration via email or SMS text.
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Events, food trucks, farmers markets
The weather's warming up - do you need to apply for a food license? Make sure you apply well enough in advance so you don't have any issues getting your license on time!
- Farmers market licenses cost $150, and applications should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.
- Temporary food establishment licenses (both single event and annual) should be submitted at least 30 days before the event. Single event licenses cost $50. Annual licenses are $200.
- Event registrations cost $50 and applications should be submitted at least 60 days before the event.
- Mobile food unit licenses cost $250 for an annual license and should be submitted at least 30 days before operating.
Visit DIA's main page for food and hotel licensing, which includes information on mobile food unit licenses.
Learn how to apply for a temporary food establishment license online by watching the video.