How to Obtain a Catering License in Illinois
Caterers working in Illinois must be licensed through the Department of Agriculture's Division of Food Safety and Animal Protection. According to the department, catering businesses are considered the same as restaurants. Both businesses must obtain a license as Type I processors under the Illinois Meat and Poultry Inspection Act. Type I licenses, according to the Division of Food Safety's website, allow caterers to process meat and poultry for sale purposes throughout the state.
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Instructions
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Complete the Application for License Under the Meat and Poultry Act available on the Illinois Department of Agriculture website. Check on the form that you are applying for a Type I license as a processor. Provide contact information and the Social Security numbers of any co-owners.
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Provide explanations for any felony conviction you or your co-owners have. Include details about the crime in addition to the date of conviction.
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Mail the application, any supporting documents and the license fee to the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Meat and Poultry Inspection:
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Meat and Poultry Inspection
State Fairgrounds
PO Box 19281
Springfield, Illinois 62794
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Participate in an on-site inspection of your catering business by a representative from the Bureau of Meat and Poultry Inspection.
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Complete necessary changes or adjustments to your catering kitchen as instructed by the inspector in order to obtain a license.
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Begin working with catering clients once you receive your license from the Department of Agriculture.
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Tips & Warnings
You will need to obtain an Illinois egg license in order to cook with eggs in your catering business. You can apply for an egg-breakers license through the Department of Agriculture website.
References
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