From the line to the shelf.
Product liability, recall, property, spoilage and workers' comp for packaged food, snack, candy, beverage and coffee producers and co-packers.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
One bad lot can reach every store
A food maker's largest exposure is a contaminated or mislabeled batch: an undeclared allergen, a piece of metal or a pathogen found after product has shipped. Product liability covers injury claims, but the cost of pulling product back, destroying it and replacing it for retailers usually needs separate recall coverage.
California requires most processed food manufacturers to register with the Department of Public Health, and federal food safety rules apply to most facilities. Retailers and distributors usually ask for product liability certificates and a vendor's endorsement before they take your product.
- Product liabilityIllness, injury and allergen claims.
- Product recallPulling, destroying and replacing product.
- Property and spoilagePlant, ingredients and finished goods.
- Equipment breakdownOvens, roasters, coolers and lines.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Products: what you make and its main ingredients, including allergens.
- Customers: retailers, distributors, online or restaurants.
- Food safety: registration, audits and recall plan.
- Facility: address, size and fire protection.
- Revenue and payroll: annual sales and staff.
- History: current policies, claims and any recalls.
Food manufacturer insurance, answered
Does product liability pay for a recall?
Generally no. Most product liability policies exclude the cost of recalling your own product. Recall coverage is bought separately.
Do retailers require insurance?
Grocery chains and distributors often require product liability at set limits and a vendor's endorsement naming them.
I use a co-packer. Do I still need coverage?
Yes. The brand owner is usually named in claims too, and retailers expect the brand to carry its own product liability.
Is spoilage after a power outage covered?
With spoilage coverage, often yes, subject to the cause and the policy's terms.
Do you offer food and beverage manufacturer insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Send your product list. I'll shop it.
Products, annual sales and customers are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
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(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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