Low-risk home-prepared foods

Overview

Alberta’s Food Regulation sets the rules for the safe handling of food that is available to the public. As of June 1, 2020, the Food Regulation allows Albertans to make low-risk foods in their home kitchen for sale to the public, subject to certain restrictions and safe food handling.

Low-risk home-prepared foods can be sold from home (including online or mail-order sales) and special events, as well as from farmers’ markets, where they were sold previously. Special events are temporary events, such as craft fairs and festivals, and have their own set of rules in the regulation.

Information for food operators

As of June 1, 2020, food operators can prepare low-risk foods in their home kitchen to sell directly to consumers from home or at special events.

The Food Regulation outlines the rules for operating a low-risk home-prepared food business. The 'Low-risk home-prepared foods: fact sheet for operators' provides direction on how to handle food safely and explains the rules in the regulation.

• Read the Low-risk home-prepared food: fact sheet for operators

Home-prepared foods, including those sold at farmers’ markets, will need to be clearly and appropriately labelled so consumers can make informed choices. If you are a vendor selling home-prepared foods at a farmers’ market, you will be asked to comply with the new labelling requirements, in addition to existing farmers’ markets guidelines. For more information on the new labelling requirements, read the 'Low-risk home-prepared foods: fact sheet for operators'. Implementation of these requirements will take place gradually, starting with education.

Information for consumers

As of June 1, 2020, consumers can buy low-risk foods from other Albertans from their home or at special events. Low-risk foods do not require refrigeration, such as baked goods, candies, whole fresh produce and some canned goods.

• To find out what is considered low risk, see page 3 of the 'Low-risk home-prepared foods: fact sheet for operators'

Food must be labelled with information about the food and the producer so you can make an informed purchase decision and ask questions or report a concern.

Resources

• Low-risk home-prepared food: fact sheet for operators – information for operators about the rules for low-risk home-prepared food businesses and guidance on handling food safely
• Food Regulation
• Food safety training – all operators are encouraged to take food safety training. Options available in Alberta include:
  • Recognized food safety courses (PDF, 326 KB) that issue certificates approved under the regulation.
  • Alberta Health Services offers online courses and printable home study booklets. The home study and online farmers’ market courses include information on home canning.
• Food Retail and Foodservices Code
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency – information on federal rules that apply to food businesses
• COVID-19 Information: Guidance for Farmers' Markets and Public Markets (PDF, 271 KB)

Check with your local municipality for local business rules that may apply.

If you need any more information about the rules for starting a low-risk home-prepared food business or about food safety for your business, contact Alberta Health Services.

Questions: Contact Environmental Public Health.

Contact

Connect with Alberta Health Services:

Phone: 780-342-2000
Toll free: 1-888-342-2471
Email: [email protected]