Plain language help for small Canadian food makers, from your first farmers market table to your first grocery order.
Try the free licence checkerFind out whether you likely need a federal Safe Food for Canadians licence, or mainly provincial and local rules, with links to the official pages.
Simple records, checklists and templates you can actually fill in on a busy production day.
Get your paperwork in order before a retailer or distributor asks for it.
Under BC's Food Premises Regulation, every operator of a food service establishment, and at least one employee when the operator is away, must hold FOODSAFE Level 1 or an equivalent certificate. BC Government
Restaurants, take outs and caterers need a health operating permit. Food processors and stores need approval to operate. You apply to your regional health authority, such as Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, Island Health, Interior Health or Northern Health. VCH · Island Health
BC's temporary food market guideline says only lower risk foods can be made in a home kitchen for market sale. Higher risk foods, such as most foods with meat, fish, eggs or dairy, need health authority approval. BC market guideline (PDF)
Daily records, cleaning logs and temperature sheets for small kitchens.
A plain language workbook to help you prepare for a Safe Food for Canadians licence and Preventive Control Plan.
Checklists for FOODSAFE, health authority applications and farmers market tables.
Follow @foodfoundersclub_ to hear when they launch.
Food Founders Club is a small, proudly Canadian project for food makers who want straight answers. We share plain language posts, free checklists and kits you can fill in. When a rule matters, we point you to the official page so you can read it yourself.
Everything here is general information, not legal advice. Our templates are not government forms and are not a substitute for inspection or certification. Always confirm with the CFIA or your local health authority.