California’s vibrant agricultural landscape produces a vast array of food products, many of which are preserved through canning. If you’re involved in canning food products in California, understanding the state’s licensing requirements is crucial for legal operation and consumer safety. This article explores what types of products necessitate a cannery license from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Who Needs a Cannery License?
The primary factor determining the need for a cannery license revolves around low-acid canned foods. These foods are susceptible to the growth of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that produces the dangerous botulinum toxin. The CDPH mandates that any individual or business involved in canning low-acid foods for commercial sale must hold a valid cannery license.
Defining “Low-Acid Canned Foods”
Low-acid foods are generally defined as those with:
- A pH level greater than 4.6.
- A water activity (aw) greater than 0.85.
This includes a wide variety of products, such as:
- Vegetables: Asparagus, green beans, beets, carrots, corn, peas, potatoes, pumpkin, etc.
- Fruits: Figs, some varieties of tomatoes, tomato products (sauces, paste), etc.
- Meats: Poultry, beef, pork, fish, seafood.
- Other Products: Soups, stews, and mixed dishes containing low-acid ingredients.
Exemptions from Cannery Licensing:
Certain canning practices may be exempt from licensing requirements:
- Acidified Foods: If the pH of a food is lowered to 4.6 or below through acidification (e.g., pickling), it might not require a cannery license. However, specific regulations still apply to acidified foods.
- Home Canning: Individuals canning food for personal consumption or gifting are generally not required to hold a cannery license. However, selling home-canned products is typically prohibited due to food safety regulations.
- Certain Jams and Jellies: Products with high sugar content that naturally inhibit bacterial growth may be exempt. However, it is essential to consult with the CDPH to confirm exemption status.
The Licensing Process:
Cannery License Application Process
- Submit product with the appropriate form for testing to the lab. This process could take 4-6 weeks to complete testing.
- Receive an Official Process Letter (S-Letter) showing results of testing from the lab. All questions regarding the results of the letter should be directed to the lab.
- Once the firm knows what license to obtain, fill out the Cannery License Application (PDF) by sending it with payment ($118.00 non-refundable fee) to the California Department of Public Health. It could take up to 2 weeks before the cannery desk receives your application with payment.
- The cannery desk will notify the district supervisor in the firm’s area of your cannery license application.
- The firm will receive their first cannery billing invoice along with a cover letter. Firms are charged for two hours upfront before their initial inspection. Firms must pay this invoice before an inspector is able to conduct their initial inspection. Once paid, this amount becomes a credit on your account that can be used towards further inspections.
- The district supervisor will assign an inspector to the firm. The inspector will notify the firm to set up a time for an initial inspection. This could take 4-8 weeks depending on the inspector’s workload. All questions about the initial inspection can be answered by the inspector when a firm receives a phone call to schedule the inspection.
- Once a firm has their initial inspection, the inspector will notify the cannery desk when a new license should be issued.
- License is mailed out to the mailing address stated on the application. The entire process may take several months to obtain a cannery license. Licenses must be renewed annually until end of business operations. Please notify the licensing desk or any facility relocations, ownership changes, or business closure.
- Firms will continue to receive billing invoices monthly whether they have an amount due or credit balance on their account. All outstanding balances are to be paid in full before firms are able to renew cannery licenses.
For questions, email FDBfood@cdph.ca.gov
For Cannery License estimated timeline, https://ucfoodsafety.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk7366/files/inline-files/287956.pdf