Opening a Food Premises

You can operate a food business from home, but it can NOT be in your personal kitchen.

Here are rules to be followed:

• You must have an inspection completed and receive approval from the Health Unit before opening/operating your home-based food premises

• Separate space: Personal home kitchens may NOT be used as a food premises.

• No pets: Animals are NOT allowed in the food preparation area.

• Municipal approval: Check with your local municipality to see if home-based businesses are allowed and if you need a business license.

A Public Health Inspector will confirm these steps during your pre-opening inspection.

If you're only handling low-risk or prepackaged foods, some requirements do not apply, such as:

• A dedicated handwashing sink

• A mechanical dishwasher or a three-compartment sink

• Certified food handlers

However, you still need:

• A nearby sink available for handwashing

• Dishwashing facilities if using reusable dishes

• Food Handler Certification (optional but encouraged)

Mobile food premises, like food trucks or carts, have specific requirements:

• Food preparation must happen inside the vehicle.

• Use single-use plates, cups, and cutlery.

• Have separate tanks for clean water and wastewater with clear gauges to measure the clean water and wastewater levels.

Check out the Food Premises Reference Document (Health Canada) and Ontario Food Premises Regulation (O. Reg. 493) for more details.

Some organizations are exempt from the regulation, including:

Religious groups and community events

If you are running a bake sale or a special event, as long as:

• A sign is posted stating that the food was not prepared in an inspected kitchen.

• You notify SWPH about the event. More details are on the Special Events page.

Farmers' markets

Farmers selling their own farm products at markets may be exempt, but:

• You still need to notify SWPH. Visit the Markets page for more information.

Boarding houses

If you are serving food to fewer than 10 boarders, you are exempt.

Selling raw milk is illegal in Ontario because it can cause illness. Learn more in the Ontario Food Premises Regulation.

In Ontario it is illegal to store, handle, serve, process, prepare, display, distribute, transport, offer for sale or sell ungraded or Grade “C” eggs. For more information, please refer to the following resources:

• Ontario Food Premises Regulation (O. Reg. 493) 
• Health Canada: Egg Grading