Can I set up a food delivery or pickup business with the food I make from recipes from the internet? Is it illegal?
Topic summary
The original poster asks whether it’s legal to start a food delivery or pickup business using recipes found on the internet.
Official Response:
- A Shopify representative confirms it’s possible to set up such a business on their platform and provides a guide for starting a food business.
- Emphasizes challenges like maintaining food quality during transit and ensuring timely delivery.
Key Legal & Operational Requirements:
- Health & Safety: Kitchen must meet health standards, pass inspections, and obtain food handler permits.
- Licensing: Business license required (requirements vary by location).
- Zoning Laws: Verify home-based food businesses are permitted in your area.
- Insurance: Liability insurance recommended to protect against food-related incidents.
Additional Advice:
- Using internet recipes is legal, but adding unique twists can help differentiate the business.
- Multiple participants note that many successful food brands adapt existing recipes.
Status: The discussion provides practical guidance but doesn’t address potential copyright concerns around recipe usage. The conversation remains informational with no unresolved disputes.
Uh maybe not yet
Uh no I’m need to know if it’s legal to sell food that I make from the
internet
Hi, [email removed]Cbrown218!
Thank you for reaching out! Yes, you can definitely set up a food delivery or pickup business on Shopify.
We actually have a guide that you can read here with a few questions answered that you may have in regards to opening a food business!
It is also important to note that food delivery and pickup businesses face unique challenges, such as maintaining the quality and safety of the food during transit and ensuring timely delivery to customers. You should carefully consider these factors and have a plan in place to address them before launching your business.
Have you had experience running a business prior?
Yes you can start start your own food business by making good recipes that you learnt from internet. it will be considered legal. for better sales you should make something new and fresh. Subway is a best example of this businesses module.
Starting a food delivery or pickup business with recipes you find online? Great idea! But before you dive in, there are some important things to keep in mind to stay on the right side of the law:
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Health and Safety: You’ll need to ensure your kitchen meets health and safety standards. This usually means getting it inspected and approved by health authorities, grabbing a food handler’s permit, and following strict guidelines for food storage, preparation, and cleanliness. Nobody wants a side of food poisoning with their dinner!
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Business Licenses and Permits: You’ll likely need a business license to make things official. The requirements can vary depending on where you live, so check with your local government to see what hoops you need to jump through.
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Zoning Laws: Some areas have rules about running businesses from home. Make sure your home-based food business is allowed in your neighborhood.
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Insurance: It’s wise to get liability insurance. This protects you if someone gets sick from your food. Better safe than sorry!
Hey Sidhart, Thank you for writing detailed instructions for food business.
I’m running Torsilax, which provides information about different health related items. I’m a doctor in Pakistan and planning to convert this website in consultancy. can you please guide about it. is it okay to do this?
I totally agree with you, Sidhart! Starting a food business with recipes from the internet is a great idea, and it’s definitely legal. Your advice about keeping things safe and following local rules is spot-on. Making sure the kitchen is up to health standards, getting any needed permits, and checking zoning rules are all smart moves. And yeah, adding your own twist to recipes—just like Subway and other food brands like cheddars did—can really make your business stand out. Thanks for the helpful tips!
Thank You David, just for your information, in this modern era there are many brands that copy each other recipes. Many people first learn recipes from youtube and then they market it. just for an example you can check First watch menu and see their recipes and Chipotle recipes have many similarities.