Food Manufacturer Compliance Guide for San Diego

San Diego Local Licensing & Registration Requirements

All food manufacturing facilities in San Diego County must obtain a permit from the DEHQ Food and Drug Branch before commencing operations. This includes a Facility License, which requires submission of detailed floor plans, equipment specifications, and operational procedures for review. The application process typically involves a pre-license inspection to verify compliance with California Health and Safety Code Section 113700 et seq. Food manufacturers must also register with the FDA if they produce human or animal food, and maintain California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) registration for certain product categories. Annual renewal and updated applications are required whenever facility operations, product lines, or ownership change significantly.

Health Department Inspection Process & Standards

San Diego DEHQ conducts routine inspections of food manufacturing facilities at frequencies determined by risk category and product type—typically every 6–12 months for low-risk operations and quarterly or more frequently for high-risk facilities. Inspectors verify compliance with California Code of Regulations Title 16 (food safety standards) and assess Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plans, employee training records, sanitation logs, and traceability documentation. Critical violations—such as pest activity, improper temperature control, or pathogen contamination—can result in immediate closure orders. Non-critical violations generate correction notices with specified timeframes for remediation, typically 10–30 days depending on severity.

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