Wholesale Food Processing Establishment permit (LA County): Los Angeles restaurant guide

LA County Public Health — Wholesale Food Safety Program

What it is

Making or packaging food that is sold to other businesses (not at retail on the premises) is a wholesale food processing establishment under County Code Title 11 and needs its own County permit and plan check.

When a restaurant needs it

Selling packaged food wholesale to stores, restaurants or distributors.

How to apply

Submit plans to the Plan Check Program, then apply to the Wholesale Food Safety Program (1435 West Covina Parkway, West Covina; (626) 813-3477).

Documents you’ll need

Plan check submittal for the processing area
Public Health Permit/License Application
Product list and process descriptions
CDPH Processed Food Registration

Fee

FY 2026-27: plan check — food processor $1,754 (1–1,999 sq ft), $2,164 (2,000–5,999), $2,586 (6,000+); annual permit — food processing wholesale $2,300 (1–1,999 sq ft), $2,707 (2,000–5,999), $3,018 (6,000+); low-risk food processing $1,098

Processing time

Varies

Renewal

Annually

Who files

The business owner applies; the designer prepares plans.

Good to know

A retail bakery or restaurant selling only at its own counter stays under the restaurant permit; the wholesale permit is triggered by sales to other businesses.

Official source

LA County EH — wholesale food & food processing establishments · EH fee schedule FY 2026-27 (wholesale)

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.