Processed Food Registration

The Food and Drug Branch (FDB) regulates the manufacture, processing, storage and distribution of food products in California. California law requires that businesses obtain an FDB license, certificate or registration for these activities.
Processors of general food commodities (e.g. baked goods, noodles, processed fresh vegetables, seafood, snack foods, dietary supplements, etc.) must obtain a Processed Food Registration (PFR) from FDB. A PFR certificate is a firm’s basic health permit. The PFR allows firms to manufacture products not specifically covered by another FDB license.

PFR certificates are also required for general food warehouses. Warehouses storing molluscan shellfish and organic food products must also obtain a specific certificate or registration for these activities.

You may use the links to obtain applicable forms and documents under the “Registration Documents” banner below. To submit the documents, you must follow the instructions outlined on page two of the application.

For answers to commonly asked questions from the PFR licensing desk, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (.DOC)

Additional information may be found at the Food Safety Program page.​