Selling food from home
Are you considering selling food from home? It is possible to use your home for selling food, however there are some things to consider before you start and you must follow some specific rules and requirements.
Food that could be sold (if all rules are followed) include but are not limited to; baked goods, privately catered food, food prepared for market stalls, confectionary, jams and preserves, and repackaged food. Food could be made to order and delivered, sold at markets or sold online.
Operators that sell food from home are subject to the same food rules as food businesses operating from commercial premises. See 'Running a Food Business' This includes having a verifier come to your home to ensure your food is safe and suitable.
Considerations before you start:
- Do you need any other consents such as building, trade waste or resource consents?
- Is your water supply safe to use for food preparation, hand washing and cleaning?
- If you are renting, have you got permission from your landlord to operate a business from home?
- How will you ensure pets are kept away from food preparation areas?
- How will you manage the risks if family members are sick?
- Do you have enough space to store commercial food separately from home food?
- Are your work spaces and equipment easily cleaned and sanitised?
- Do you have adequate facilities to wash hands readily within the work space?
- Are your facilities adequate for the types and quantities of food you are planning on preparing?
For further information call council to enquire on 03 687 7200
There are some circumstances where you may be exempt from registration requirements when selling food from home. See exemption guidance and some examples here:
- Individuals selling their home grown produce - fruit and vegetables that are minimally handled (washed, trimmed)
- Home-based early childhood education providers who prepare and serve food to the children
- Fundraising by selling food for a specific cause (e.g. to purchase new sports equipment for the local school). You can do this up to 20 times per year.
- Eggs sold from gate where you have less than 100 hens. See further details:
Last updated: 14 Feb 2024