DESI ENTERPRISE

HOW TO START A HOME-BASED FOOD BUSINESS

Image credit: NISHANT ANEJA on Pexels.

The Ontario government is supporting entrepreneurs by providing a guide on how to start a home-based food business, which includes an overview of public health requirements that need to be followed as a food operator.

To further support these entrepreneurs, the government has also made regulatory changes to allow more flexibility to sell low-risk, home-prepared foods. These supports are part of the government’s continued efforts to help small, independent businesses succeed and contribute to Ontario communities during COVID-19.

“For many local entrepreneurs, they start with a love of food and a cherished family recipe, whether it’s that new take on homegrown pickles, jams and preserves or grandma’s apple pie, and try and turn their passion into a successful business,” said Prabmeet Sarkaria, associate minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction.

Low-risk foods are considered nonhazardous and do not require refrigeration. They include items such as baked goods, pickles, jams and preserves, chocolates, hard candies and brittles, fudge and toffees, granola, trail mix, nuts and seeds, and coffee beans and tea leaves.

“Starting a home-based food business is an excellent opportunity for people across Ontario to share their culinary creativity, build a business for themselves and be part of the province's agri-food sector,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

A few quick facts:

All food premises, including home-based food businesses, must adhere to requirements under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) and the Food Premises Regulation.

Home-based food businesses that prepare only low-risk foods are exempt from certain regulatory requirements.

See Ontario’s guide on how to start a home-based food business here.