Should Home Bakers and Food Makers Face Fewer Rules in Alberta?

Official title: Food regulation engagement

Closed Regulations & Permits Agriculture & Food Economy & Jobs Health & Safety
Alberta asked whether people making low-risk foods at home—like baked goods, jams, and pickles—should face fewer regulations when selling them. The goal was to cut red tape for small food entrepreneurs while still protecting public health. This consultation is now complete, and changes to the Food Regulation took effect in spring 2020.

Why This Matters

Love your neighbour's homemade jam? Want to sell your famous cookies at the farmers' market? This was about making it easier for home cooks to turn their kitchen creations into small businesses. It also affects what local foods you can buy directly from your community.

What Could Change

The rules changed in 2020. Home food entrepreneurs now face fewer licensing requirements for low-risk items like baked goods, jams, candies, and pickles. This means more homemade products can be sold at farmers' markets and directly to consumers.

Key Issues

  • What regulations should apply to home-prepared low-risk foods?
  • How can red tape be reduced while still protecting public health?
  • What opportunities should exist for home food entrepreneurs?

What Happened

Feedback from this consultation informed changes to Alberta's Food Regulation and Food Retail and Foodservices Code, which were introduced in spring 2020. The changes reduced red tape and increased flexibility for home-prepared food entrepreneurs selling low-risk items.

View Final Decision

Key Documents