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Starting a Wholesale Food Business in Indiana

Starting a wholesale food business requires careful planning, skillful management and knowledge of several local, state and federal regulations. When exploring the possibility of starting a wholesale food business, it is important to contact the Wholesale Manufactured Foods Program to discuss your prospective business. A wholesale food business is any establishment within the state that manufacturers, packages, repackages, stores or transports human food products for distribution to another entity for resale or redistribution. This does not include a residential kitchen, bed and breakfast or meat, poultry and dairy processing plants. A wholesale business may be located within a primary retail establishment if it complies with Retail Food Establishment Sanitation Requirements (Title 410 IAC 7-24) and the Wholesale Food Code (Title 410 IAC 7-21)

Types of Wholesale Food Manufacturers & Distributors

Grains and Baking Industries
  • Whole grains, milled grain products and starch
  • Bakery products, doughs, bakery mixes and icings
  • Macaroni and noodle products
  • Cereals
  • Snack food items (flour, meal or vegetable base)
Imitation Milk Products
Egg Products
Fishery / Seafood Products
Fruit, Nut and Vegetable Products
  • Fruits and fruit products
  • Nuts and edible seeds
  • Vegetable and vegetable products
  • Vegetable oils
Dressings and Condiments
Spices, Flavors and Salts
Beverages
  • Soft drinks and water
  • Beverage bases
  • Coffee and tea
  • Alcoholic beverages
    • Wine
    • Beer
    • Spirits
  • Ice
Confections and Desserts
  • Candy
  • Chocolate and cocoa products
  • Gelatin, pudding mixes and pie fillings
  • Food sweeteners (nutritive)
Multiple Foods, Soups and Salads
  • Multiple food dinners, gravies and sauces
  • Soups
  • Salads
  • Sandwiches
Additives
Food Warehouse
  • Small or large food warehouses
  • Distribution centers
  • Public storage facilities
  • Food banks
  • Reclamation centers
  • Salvage operations
  • Transfer stations
Seasonal Wholesale Food Processor

A wholesale food processor that only produces seasonal products for a short period of time during a particular season.

  • Maple syrup operation
  • Apple cider mill
  • Honey processor
  • Sorghum processor

Business Registration

A wholesale food establishment that maintains a place of business in Indiana shall file with the department, on forms to be furnished by the department, a written statement of the name and address of the owner, the name of the business, the character of the business and the business address of each place of business in Indiana. This online form can be found here. The paper copy can be found here. If you choose to submit an application online, all corresponding documents must be submitted to ManufacturedFoods@health.in.gov within the same day.

A new wholesale food establishment shall not be established in Indiana until the place of business has been registered. The paper copy of the registration along with any needed product testing, HACCP plans, and training documentation must be submitted via mail or fax, using the addresses below, at least thirty (30) days prior to beginning operations. There is no need to submit a paper copy of the application if you have completed the online form.

If ownership of a registered place of business changes, the new owner shall register the place of business before operating.

If the name of the business or the address of a registered place of business changes, the owner shall register the change.

Prior to beginning a business or for more information, please contact:

Indiana Department of Health
Wholesale Manufactured Foods Program
2 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Telephone: 317-234-8570
Fax: 317-233-9200

Email: ManufacturedFoods@health.in.gov

Rules and Regulations

The Wholesale Food Code Title 410 IAC 7-21 is implemented by the Indiana Department of Health to assure that foods are manufactured, processed and handled in a safe and sanitary manner. The conditions set forth in the Wholesale Food Code Title must be met to operate and maintain your business.

For detailed information on the specific rules and regulations that apply to your proposed food product, contact the Indiana Department of Health, Wholesale Manufactured Foods Program, at 317-234-8570 or ManufacturedFoods@health.in.gov.

New Business Requirements

Foods processed, repackaged and/or warehoused are subject to health regulations controlling facility construction, sanitation, product standards and package labeling. “Food processing” means the handling or processing of any food in any manner for the sale for human consumption. When getting ready to start a new food business, ensure that you have the following.