Food Service

Food vendors are licensed by the State of Montana. This licensing is administered through county environmental health departments. The goal of the program is to ensure food offered to the public is prepared with safe food handling practices in order to prevent disease. The laws of the state govern food service establishments, food manufacturing establishments, temporary food services, and farmer's markets.

Note: For food manufacturer requirements please contact Lake County Environmental Health.

Food establishment license applications are not available electronically; contact the office for application forms.

Retail Food Establishments

• Laws and Rules related to Retail Food (website)
• FDA 2013 Food Code (PDF)
• Food Establishment Plan Review Application (PDF)
• Mobile Food Plan Review Application (PDF)
• Mobile Food Establishment Guidelines (PDF)

Wholesale Food Manufacturing

• Guides, Laws, and Rules Related to Wholesale Food (website)
• Wholesale Food Facility Plan Review Application (PDF)
• Montana Wholesale Food Review Form

Cottage Food Operations

• Laws and Rules related to Cottage Food Operations (website)
• Guidance and Registration for Cottage Food Operations (PDF)

Temporary Food Service

• For Profit Temporary Food Service Plan Review Application (PDF)
• Guidelines for Temporary Food Service (PDF)
• Market Organizers Food Vendor Requirements (PDF)
• Non-Profit Temporary Food Service Plan Review Application (PDF)
• Temporary Food Service Requirements in Lake County (PDF)

Helpful Documents

• 2021 Farmers Market Guidelines (PDF)
• Certified Food Protection Manager Information (PDF)
• Guide for the Design, Installation, and Construction of Food Establishments (PDF)

• Lake County ServSafe for Managers Class, January 2024, more details to come