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Food & Drug Protection Division
Food Program
I want to start my own food business. Now what?
Determine which agency regulates the type of business you want to start:
- Restaurants, including catering operations, are regulated by county health departments.
- Meat and meat-containing products are regulated by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Meat and Poultry Inspection Service.
- Packaged foods other than meat products are regulated by the NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division. Some can be produced in a home setting. No license required, but inspections can be made.
- Seafood is regulated by the NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division. Wholesale seafood dealers must fulfill training requirements.
- Dairy products, including milk, frozen dessert, cheese and butter, are regulated by the NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division. Licensing is required.
- Wineries are regulated by several agencies, including the Federal Tax and Trade Bureau. Consult the Starting a Commercial Winery guide for more information.
- Farmers do/do not need a business license to sell commodities grown on their farm.
Commercial or Home-based?
Only low-risk packaged foods can be manufactured in the home. The type of product and the manufacturing process determine if the food is low-risk. These can include, but are not limited to:
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baked goods
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jams and jellies
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candies
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dried mixes
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spices
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some sauces and liquids*
*Canned goods and liquids must be evaluated to determine if they are low-risk or high-risk. N.C. State University's Food Science Department will analyze products for risk. The analysis will include specific recommendations on how to process and package your food. It will also include recommendations on the next step in getting your product to the market. $50 fee. For more information, go to: www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/foodsci/ext/programs/ncfood/testing.htm.
All high-risk products must be produced in a non-home based commercial facility. These include, but are not limited to:
- canned goods
- dairy products
- seafood products
- bottled water
If you are starting a non-home based commercial food processing facility for high risk or low risk foods, click here for start-up information.
Other resources
NC State Food Science Department's Guide for Small Food Processors in North Carolina
Business ServiCenter by the N.C. Department of Commerce
Office of Business & Entrepreneurial Services
N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Marketing Division Agribusiness Development Office
FDA Good Manufacturing Practice Guidelines
Blue Ridge Food Ventures - a full-scale commercial kitchen operation for value-added food production in western North Carolina.
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Food Program, Larry D. Gabriel, Food Administrator
Mailing Address: 1070 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1070
Physical Address: 4000 Reedy Creek Road, Raleigh NC 27607-6465
Phone: (919) 733-7366; FAX: (919) 733-6801
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