Who Regulates My Food Products
Different agencies in South Carolina regulate food products depending on the type of food and/or how they are distributed to the end consumer. The following questions will help you decide on which agency will regulate your food product. Contact information is provided with each agency so you can obtain more specific information about their regulations.
Is Your Food Sold Retail?
This requires a SC DES retail food establishment permit. Products for retail sale cannot be prepared in a home kitchen and rather require the use of a kitchen that meets all regulatory requirements (including State inspections).
You will also need to provide additional information on the preparation method and may need to meet the requirements of the SC Department of Agriculture or the SC Meat and Poultry Inspection Department.
Contact the SC Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) Food Safety Division.
Is Your Food Sold Wholesale?
Answer the following questions:
- Does your product contain more than 3% raw or 2% cooked beef, pork, chicken, or lamb?
- Is your product cheese, grade A dairy, a soft drink, or a water product?
- Contact the SC Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) Dairy Division.
- Is your product seafood?
- Contact the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and DES Shellfish Sanitation (for molluscan shellfish)
- Does your product contain 7% or more alcohol?
- Contact the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms Tax and Trade Bureau
- Is your product any other type of food product not listed above?
- Contact the SC Department of Agriculture – Food Safety and Compliance Program at 803-737-9700.