How can I obtain a food license to sell customer recipe-based dishes?

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

A user asks about obtaining a food license to operate a business where customers submit recipes and pay based on the prepared dish’s appearance and taste.

Key Requirements Identified:

  • Contact local health department to determine the specific type of food license needed
  • Register the business with local regulatory agencies
  • Pass kitchen inspection to meet health and safety standards (home kitchens typically not permitted for commercial sales)
  • Obtain food handler’s permit, depending on location
  • Complete food safety training
  • Ensure compliance with food labeling regulations

Resources Mentioned:

  • Shopify Blog’s step-by-step food guide covering food laws, niche selection, and production models
  • Shopify App Store offers food-centric applications for vendors
  • Multiple payment gateway options available

Important Notes:
Regulations vary significantly by country, state, city, and county. The user is advised to research their specific jurisdiction’s requirements, as there’s no universal process. The discussion remains open regarding whether this business model is legally viable without proper licensing.

Summarized with AI on October 24. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

how do I get A food license so that customers can send me recipes and pay me based on how the dish looks and tastes?

2

Hi, @cbrown218 .

Thanks for reaching out and sharing your question with the Shopify Community.

In regard to obtaining a food license, you’ll first want to determine the type of food license you need. Depending on the type of food you plan to sell, you may need a different type of food license. You may need to contact your local health department and government entity to find out what type of food license you need and what the requirements are for obtaining it.

In addition to what @Joshua111 has kindly provided, you may also need to pass an inspection to ensure that your food preparation and storage areas meet health and safety standards.

Lastly, I’d like to share a step-by-step food guide that we’ve provided on our Shopify Blog. It goes through important steps such as researching food laws, finding your niche, sourcing ingredients and determining your food production model. You can also check out The Shopify App Store for a good range of food-centric apps perfect for food vendors. Also, with over 100 payment gateways, your customers can conveniently pay for their food any way they like.

Let us know if you have any questions!

3

Is it possible for people To set up a business on Shopify where customers can send recipes and pay based on how the dish looks and tastes with or without a food license?

4

If you want to sell customer recipe-based dishes legally, the first step is to obtain a food license. This involves registering your business with the local health department and ensuring your kitchen meets food safety standards. You may also need to get a food handler’s permit, depending on where you live. The process varies by state and city, so it’s crucial to check with your local regulatory agency for specific guidelines. You should also ensure your recipes comply with any applicable food labeling regulations. For more information, you can visit the website: https://pandaexpresmenus.com/.

5

You will need a commercial food license from your city or county health department. Processes often consist in registering your business, passing an inspection of your kitchen (home kitchens are usually not allowed for selling to the public), doing food safety training, and paying fees. Regulations differ depending on the country, state and city so please verify with your local authorities.

6

those are state my state. you need to follow the rules of your state. just google it