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As of June 2026, home-based food businesses (HBFB) preparing only low-risk food items will be permitted to operate in residentially zoned locations. Ottawa Public Health supports low‑risk home‑based food businesses by providing guidance and education to help operators understand and meet public health requirements. Our approach focuses on enabling safe food practices while reducing barriers, so operators can confidently comply and protect public health.
Low-risk food items are generally considered non-hazardous and do not require time and temperature control. Some examples of low-risk foods include:
- Most breads and buns. For example, those without meat or cream filling
- Most baked goods (with no custard)
- Chocolate, hard candies and brittles
- Fudge and toffees
- Coffee beans and tea leaves
HBFB preparing and selling medium to high-risk food items will continue to be restricted and will not be permitted to operate in residentially zoned locations. These types of foods must be prepared safely in commercially zoned and inspected food premises. For more information visit the City of Ottawa’s business information officer (BIO) web page.
Those who are interested in starting a low-risk HBFB are required to:
All food premises, including home-based food businesses (HBFBs), are regulated under the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA), the Ontario Food Premises Regulation 493/17.
All business owners must notify Ottawa Public Health at least 14 days prior to opening a home-based food premises through the Business Information Officer at bio1stop@ottawa.ca. See Apply for public health approval section below.
Inspections
Public health inspectors from Ottawa Public Health may conduct inspections of HBFBs.
Upon notification of a HBFB, Ottawa Public Health will review the operator’s proposed activities and, if necessary, provide guidance to support compliance with provincial food safety legislation. Public health inspectors will also work with owners and operators to ensure food is prepared in a safe and sanitary manner.
Under the Food Premises Regulation 493/17, the area of the home where food is prepared, handled, cooked and stored is considered a food premises, during the times it is used for such purposes. If a kitchen cannot safely meet the requirements of the Food Premises Regulation 493/17, the food business will not be permitted to operate out of the space.
Note: HBFBs that prepare only low-risk foods are exempt from certain regulatory requirements, such as:
- A designated hand washing sink in food premises is not required; but handwashing is still required;
- Commercial dishwashing equipment is not required but utensils must still be cleaned and sanitized; and
- Food handling training certification is not required but strongly recommended.
Business owners must notify Ottawa Public Health of their intent to operate a low-risk HBFB at least 14 days prior to opening through the public health review process below:
Step 1. Decide what kind of food you are going prepare and sell and where you will be doing this from. If you need help making these decisions, you can contact the Business Information Officer (BIO) at bio1stop@ottawa.ca for support.
Step 2. Visit the City of Ottawa Business licences web page for details on business licensing services, which will help you determine if a business licence is required or not.
Step 3. Review requirements in all applicable legislation, such as the Ontario Food Premises Regulation 493/17, the Health Protection and Promotion Act and Operating a Home-Based Food Business web pages.
Step 4. Email the Business Information Officer (BIO) at bio1stop@ottawa.ca to submit the Health Review Request /and Notification Form. Include all applicable business information and submit for review at least 14 days before open your business. Your local public health inspector will review your application and contact you to further discuss your new food business operation.
For detailed information about operating a low-risk HBFB, visit the Operating a Home-Based Food Business in Ottawa web page.
Under the Food Safety Protocol 2019, your business is subject to disclosure of food safety inspection information to the public. Following a routine or complaint-based inspection, you will receive an Ottawa Public Health Inspection Certificate and the results of the inspection will be posted on our inspection disclosure web page (OttawaHealthInspections.ca) within one day of the inspection being completed and will remain online for two years.
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