Certified Farmers' Market Permit

 

A Certified Farmers’ Market (CFM) is a location that is certified by the State of California through Enforcement Officers of the County Agricultural Commissioners and operates pursuant to Chapter 10.5 (commencing with Section 47000) of Division 17 of the Food and Agricultural Code and regulations adopted pursuant to that Chapter. 

There are two distinct programs within San Francisco Environmental Health responsible for the permitting of CFMs and for the enforcement of State laws and regulations pertaining to CFMs:

Agriculture Program

The Agriculture Program enforces agricultural laws and regulations.

Consumer Protection Food Safety Program
The Consumer Protection Food Safety Program enforces the California Retail Food Code (CRFC)

There are five components of the Consumer Protection Food Safety Program:

1.  Market Manager
Individuals or Associations who apply for a health permit to operate a CFM, shall be considered a “Market Manager” and therefore, the “person in charge” (CRFC).  The Market Manager shall be present and responsible for the operation of the CFM and shall ensure that all food vendors comply with State Health Codes.  Compliance includes the required posting of valid license certificates and permits to operate by all food vendors/facilities on site. Sanitation and Operational Requirements for Market Managers

2.  Certified Farmer 
A farmer who sells food prodcuts that are certified by the Agriculture Program. Consumer Protection Food Safety Program inspects and enforces the California Retail Food Code in regards to Sanitation Requirements for Certified Farmers.

3.  Retail Food Vendor
Any vendor who sells pre-packaged foods that are processed, packaged and labeled from an approved source (i.e., permitted food facility).

Sanitation and Operational Requirements for Retail Food Vendor

4.  Temporary Food Facility
Any vendor who sells foods prepared for consumption on site.

5.  Mobile Food Facility
Any vendor who prepares foods and operates from a vehicle approved by the local health officer.

Permitting Requirements

• Market Manager (pdf)
• Retail Food Vendor (pdf)

Application Forms to be Completed:

Market Managers

• Application for a Permit to Operate or Certificate of Sanitation (pdf)
• Health Permit Application Zoning Referral Form (pdf) - ONLY if Market is on Private Property
• Fire Marshal Referral Form (pdf)
• Workers' Compensation Declaration (pdf)

Retail Food Vendors

• Application for a Permit to Operate or Certificate of Sanitation (pdf)
• Workers' Compensation Declaration (pdf)

Upon approval by the Consumer Protection Food Safety Program, Market Managers and Retail Food Vendors will be issued a license certificate from the SF Tax Collector’s Office.  License fees are due annually upon notification.

Contact Information:
Melinda Tyler
(415) 252-3800 (Office)
(415) 252-3842 (Fax)
Email: Melinda.Tyler@sfdph.org