How to Start a Home Food Business in Ontario

Quick Summary

What is a Home Food Business?

A home food business is a business that prepares food in a home kitchen for sale. Examples include home bakeries, jam makers, candy makers, and other low‑risk food businesses.

Ontario has rules that allow certain foods to be prepared from home while still protecting public health.

Step 1 — Decide What You Want to Sell

Before anything else, decide what products you will sell and how you will sell them.

• Are they shelf-stable?
• Do they require refrigeration?
• Will you sell directly to customers?
• Will you sell online?
• Will you attend farmers’ markets?

The answers affect which rules may apply.

Step 2 — Determine Whether Your Food Is Low Risk

Many home businesses begin with low‑risk foods. Examples include:

• Cookies
• Brownies
• Most breads
• Muffins
• Granola
• Hard candy
• Chocolate
• Fudge
• Coffee beans
• Tea leaves
• Nuts and seeds

Products containing meat, dairy fillings, custards, or requiring refrigeration generally require additional consideration.

Read our complete Low‑Risk Foods Guide

Step 3 — Contact Your Local Public Health Unit

Before selling, contact the public health unit responsible for your area. They can provide guidance on:

• Food safety
• Kitchen setup
• Operational practices
• Inspection requirements
• Questions specific to your products

Ontario’s guide specifically directs new operators to notify their local public health unit.

Step 4 — Learn Food Safety Basics

Even when preparing low‑risk foods, good food safety practices are important.

• Handwashing
• Cleaning and sanitizing
• Preventing cross‑contamination
• Safe ingredient storage
• Pest prevention
• Record keeping

Step 5 — Label Your Products

Depending on what you sell, product labels may need information such as:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Allergens
• Net quantity
• Business name and address

Requirements vary depending on the product and how it is sold.

View our Food Labelling Guide

Step 6 — Register Your Business (If Required)

Depending on how you operate, you may need to:

• Register your business name
• Obtain a Business Number
• Understand tax obligations
• Check municipal licensing requirements

Step 7 — Consider Insurance

Insurance is not always legally required, but many businesses choose to obtain commercial liability insurance.

Some farmers’ markets and events may require proof of insurance.

Step 8 — Decide Where You Will Sell

Common options include:

• Direct pickup
• Local delivery
• Farmers’ markets
• Community events
• Your own website
• Social media
• Online marketplaces

Startup Checklist

• Decide what products to sell
• Confirm whether they are low risk
• Contact your public health unit
• Review food safety requirements
• Understand labelling requirements
• Register your business if required
• Consider insurance
• Create product labels
• Decide where you’ll sell

Common Mistakes

• Assuming all homemade foods can be sold from home
• Skipping contact with the local public health unit
• Using incomplete product labels
• Ignoring municipal requirements
• Expanding into higher‑risk foods without understanding additional rules

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell baked goods from home? Yes, many low‑risk baked goods are permitted.

Do I need a commercial kitchen? Not always — it depends on your products.

Do I need food handler certification? Recommended, and sometimes required.

Can I sell online? Yes, with proper labelling and compliance.

Official Resources

• Ontario Ministry of Health — Home‑based Food Business Guide
• Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
• Your local public health unit
• Government of Ontario business resources