Minnesota Mortuary Cooler Requirements 2026: 149A.91 and the 14-Day Refrigeration Limit
Minn. Stat. 149A.91, subd. 3: refrigeration may not exceed 14 calendar days (was 6). Laws 2026, ch. 127, art. 1, sec. 40; effective July 1, 2026.
Under Minn. Stat. 149A.91, subd. 3, a body must be embalmed, refrigerated or packed in dry ice when final disposition will not occur within 72 hours, and it may not be kept in refrigeration for more than 14 calendar days. Laws 2026, chapter 127, article 1, section 40 (S.F. 4612, signed May 26, 2026) raised that refrigeration limit from 6 to 14 calendar days. Section 40 states no separate effective date, and because chapter 127 contains appropriations it took effect July 1, 2026 under Minn. Stat. 645.02. Longer allowed holds can mean more occupied cooler positions. Here is each rule with a link to the Minnesota Revisor, and the coolers that meet it, from $7,414.11.
Minnesota at a glance
- Temperature: 40°F or less (Minn. Stat. 149A.02, subd. 37b)
- Trigger: no disposition within 72 hours, public transport, public viewing or a health order (149A.91, subd. 3)
- Limits: 14 calendar days in refrigeration; 4 days on dry ice (Laws 2026, ch. 127, art. 1, sec. 40; effective July 1, 2026)
- Holding facility: secure, dignified, protects staff (149A.91, subd. 9)
- Regulator: Minnesota Department of Health, Mortuary Science, 651-201-4200
149A.91, subd. 3: when refrigeration is required
Minn. Stat. 149A.91, subd. 3 requires a body to be embalmed, refrigerated or packed in dry ice when it will be transported by public transportation, when final disposition will not occur within 72 hours after death or release by a competent authority, when it will be publicly viewed, or when the commissioner of health orders it. Dry ice may be used only when the body is publicly viewed on private property.
The 2026 change: 14 days in refrigeration
Paragraph (c), as amended by 2026 c 127, art. 1, s. 40, says a body may not be kept in refrigeration for more than 14 calendar days, or packed in dry ice for more than 4 calendar days, from release from the place of death or from the coroner or medical examiner. Minn. Stat. 149A.94 covers the timing of final disposition. Longer holds mean more occupied positions, so size your cooler for peak weeks, not average ones.
Holding facilities and crematories
Under 149A.91, subd. 9, every body awaiting disposition must be kept in an appropriate holding facility or the preparation and embalming room. The holding facility must be secure from anyone but authorized staff, preserve the dignity of the body and protect staff health and safety. Crematories have their own holding-facility and timing rules in Minn. Stat. 149A.95. Section 149A.72 sets the embalming disclosures families must receive, which makes refrigeration a common choice.
For licensing, inspections and forms, use the MDH Mortuary Science regulation page or call 651-201-4200.
Minnesota-ready mortuary coolers, from $7,414.11
Set any unit to 36–38°F to stay inside the 40°F definition with room for door openings.
2 Body Standard Roll-In Mortuary Cooler – Model 2BR
Two-body roll-in cooler for funeral homes holding a body past the state refrigeration trigger.
From $7,414.11
In stock
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3-Body Mortuary Refrigerator
Three trays, upright footprint, for growing call volume.
From $8,357.01
In stock
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2-Body Extra-Wide Mortuary Refrigerator
Extra-wide trays for bariatric cases.
From $8,516.21
In stock
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4-Body Extra-Wide Mortuary Refrigerator
Four extra-wide positions for crematories and multi-location firms.
From $9,153.01
In stock
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6x8 Walk-In Mortuary Refrigerator
Walk-in capacity for racks and cots; suited to refrigeration facilities.
From $8,825.00
In stock
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10x10 Walk-In Mortuary Refrigerator
Large walk-in for regional crematories and medical examiner overflow.
From $11,695.50
In stock
View coolerFrequently asked questions
What temperature does Minnesota require for refrigeration of a body?
Minn. Stat. 149A.02, subd. 37b defines refrigeration as keeping the body at 40°F or less.
When must a body be refrigerated in Minnesota?
Under 149A.91, subd. 3, a body must be embalmed, refrigerated or packed in dry ice if final disposition will not occur within 72 hours after death or release, if it will travel by public transportation, if it will be publicly viewed, or if the commissioner of health orders it.
How long can a body stay in refrigeration in Minnesota?
After the 2026 amendment (2026 c 127), refrigeration may not exceed 14 calendar days and dry ice may not exceed 4 calendar days, counted from release from the place of death or from the coroner or medical examiner.
Who regulates mortuary science in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Department of Health, Mortuary Science Section, phone 651-201-4200.
Which cooler suits a Minnesota funeral home?
Set any AMC cooler to 38°F to stay well under the 40°F limit. Coolers start at $7,414.11.
Related state guides
- Mortuary cooler regulations by state (all 50 states + DC)
- Alabama mortuary cooler requirements
- California mortuary cooler requirements
- Florida mortuary cooler requirements
- Washington mortuary cooler requirements
- New York mortuary cooler requirements
- Georgia mortuary cooler requirements
- Michigan mortuary cooler requirements
- Virginia mortuary cooler requirements
- Shop mortuary coolers
- TITAN Pet mortuary equipment
This guide summarizes published code text as of November 1, 2026. It is not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state board before you buy or change procedures. Freight for every cooler is calculated at checkout.
