This guide breaks down the key steps you need to take to set up your homemade food business properly — from company registration to food safety compliance — so you can focus on growing your dream.
Starting a home-based food business in Ireland can be both exciting and rewarding. Whether you’re passionate about baking, catering, or preparing packaged meals, it’s important to understand the legal and regulatory steps required before you begin selling to customers.
The first step in starting any business in Ireland is registering with the Companies Registration Office (CRO):
✔️ Choose a suitable business structure (sole trader, partnership, or limited company)
✔️ Register your trading name if different from your company name.
✔️ Ensure your business is legally recognized before moving forward.
All food businesses in Ireland — including home-based ones — must register with the Health Service Executive (HSE) as a Food Business Operator (FBO). This ensures your business is known to local health authorities and can be inspected when required.
Registration must be done before you begin operations.
Once registered with the HSE, your food preparation premises (including your home kitchen, if applicable) may be inspected by Environmental Health Officers (EHOs). They check:
Cleanliness and hygiene standards Storage and handling practices Food preparation processes
Being prepared helps avoid delays in starting your business.
A Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system is mandatory for food businesses. It ensures you:
✔️ Identify food safety risks
✔️ Put controls in place to prevent contamination.
✔️ Keep records of hygiene and safety practices
Even small home kitchens must have a system in place that proves food is handled safely.
If you plan to sell packaged products such as cakes, sauces, or ready-to-eat meals, you must comply with EU labelling rules. Labels must include.
✔️ Full list of ingredients
✔️ Clear allergen declarations (14 must be highlighted).
✔️ Best before or use-by dates
✔️ Contact details of your food business
Correct labelling builds trust with customers and avoids regulatory issues.
While not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to have:
✔️ Public liability insurance – protects you if a customer is injured due to your business activities
✔️ Product liability insurance – covers claims related to the food you sell.
Insurance gives peace of mind and can protect your business financially.
Starting a home-based food business in Ireland requires more than just great cooking skills. You must ensure your business is:
✔️ Legally registered with the CRO.
✔️ Approved by the HSE as an FBO.
✔️ Compliant with HACCP and labelling regulations.
📍 If you’re based in Dublin or Ireland, our Accounting & Company Formation Services in Ongar, Dublin 15, can guide you through every step.
Don’t let paperwork and compliance slow down your business dream.
📞Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s get your homemade food business registered, compliant, and ready to serve customers.
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