The Ontario government
is supporting home-based businesses and has brought out a new guide. Please note this guide only references the province of Ontario. During Covid-19 more individuals have explored their interests in food-based enterprises and some have started their own food-based businesses from their homes. A home-based food business must follow many guidelines and there are many regulations in place to ensure food safety is in place. Public health requirements and a how-to guide are also included.
A home-based business is defined as a private chef, farmer’s market vendor, etc. and must follow the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA) and the Food Premises Regulation.
Regulatory changes have been made which are a part of an increased effort to help support entrepreneurs who are trying to grow small businesses. The Ontario government recognizes that there are many people who endeavor to reproduce recipes and specialty food items on a small scale and these guidelines are in place to ensure Canada’s high provincial and federal food safety standards are respected. Low-risk foods are categorized as foods that do not require refrigeration. This includes baked goods, jams, hard candies, coffee beans, and tea leaves.
As stated by the Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, “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. Our government is committed to encouraging this growing part of the economy and to support all the good things that are grown and produced right here in Ontario.” (Source: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/59861/ontario-supporting-home-based-food-businesses-during-covid-19)
Link:
https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/selling_low_risk_food.pdf