Selling meals from home is completely legal in Quebec—provided you comply with the framework established by MAPAQ (the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food). Dozens of passionate cooks already earn income from their own kitchens by following a few simple steps. If you have the talent, the rules are there to protect you and your customers.
At a time when traditional dining is becoming increasingly expensive and demand for authentic, local meals continues to grow, selling your dishes from home has become a real opportunity. The Cuisinous platform was designed precisely to connect these certified cooks with customers in their neighbourhood.
This guide explains, step by step, how to get started legally, obtain your MAPAQ permit, comply with hygiene standards, and begin selling your homemade meals with confidence.
What the law says: selling homemade meals in Quebec
In Quebec, anyone who prepares and sells cooked meals from their home is considered to be operating a food service or food retail business. The Food Products Act governs these activities, and the Government of Quebec requires a valid permit before any sale.
Since July 8, 2025, the new steps have been simplified: permit applicants are no longer required to provide a food hygiene and sanitation manager number when submitting their application. This measure aims to reduce processing times and make culinary entrepreneurship more accessible. Source: Government of Quebec — Restaurant and retail sales permits.
Not having a valid permit exposes the seller to fines. The good news: the process is accessible, low-cost, and done entirely online. And once you have your permit, nothing prevents you from selling your dishes directly on Cuisinous.
The MAPAQ permit: what you need to know
Who needs to obtain a permit?
Anyone who prepares meals from their home for commercial purposes must hold a restaurant permit (for meals served on-site or for takeout) or a retail sales permit (for prepackaged or delivered foods). If you plan to sell cooked dishes to neighbours via an app like Cuisinous, you fall under the home kitchen category—and the permit is mandatory.
This permit is personal, valid for one year, and must be displayed in public view (or made available to customers upon request in the case of online sales). It is automatically renewable.
How to obtain your MAPAQ permit in 2026
- Check with your municipality that you are allowed to operate a food business from your home. Some municipalities have zoning restrictions.
- Complete your food hygiene training —holding a food establishment manager training certificate remains mandatory. Online courses are available from organizations recognized by MAPAQ.
- Submit your application online via the Government of Quebec portal. Complete the application form for a restaurant or retail sales permit. Processing generally takes a few weeks.
- Prepare your kitchen according to the required standards (see the next section) before the inspection.
- Receive your permit and display it. You can now sell legally.
Hygiene and sanitation standards to follow
Selling home-cooked meals requires specific hygiene standards. These standards exist to protect your customers, but also to protect you legally in case of an issue.
- Your kitchen must be kept clean and disinfected before each commercial cooking session
- Food must be stored at safe temperatures: below 4°C for cold foods, above 60°C for hot foods
- Ingredients and major allergens must be clearly identified in your dish descriptions
- Packaging must be clean, airtight, and protect food from any contamination
- No one who is ill may handle food intended for sale
On Cuisinous, you must indicate the allergens present in each dish. This transparency is mandatory and strengthens your customers’ trust. See the Cuisinous FAQ to learn more.
How to set your prices and report your income
Selling homemade meals generates taxable income in Canada. Whether you sell five dishes a week or fifty, you must report this income on your annual tax return. If your annual sales exceed $30,000, you will need to register for taxes (GST/QST). Below this threshold, tax registration is not required.
To set your prices, calculate the cost of your ingredients, add the cost of your time (at least $15–$20/hour), and include packaging costs. A 30% to 50% margin is reasonable for a homemade dish. Do not forget that Cuisinous charges a 15% commission on each sale—this is all you pay, with no monthly fees.
Start selling on Cuisinous today
Once you have your MAPAQ permit, becoming a cook on Cuisinous takes only a few minutes. Create your profile, add your dishes with photos and descriptions, indicate your availability—and start receiving orders from neighbours looking for exactly what you cook.
Cuisinous is available throughout Quebec, with an active community in Mont-Laurier and the Laurentians. The platform handles secure payment, order management, and local visibility through geolocation. You focus on cooking; the rest is automated.
FAQ — Selling homemade meals in Quebec
Can you sell homemade meals without a permit in Quebec?
No. Any sale of meals prepared from a home for commercial purposes is subject to obtaining a valid MAPAQ permit. Not having a permit exposes the seller to fines. The application is done online, and the process has been simplified since July 2025.
How much does a MAPAQ permit for selling from home cost?
Fees vary depending on the type of permit and the size of the establishment. For a small home kitchen, fees are generally modest (under $500). Consult the official Government of Quebec portal for the latest exact rates.
Do I need to charge taxes on my homemade meals?
As long as your annual revenue from taxable supplies does not exceed $30,000, you are not required to register for taxes (GST/QST) or collect them. Above this threshold, registration becomes mandatory. In all cases, your sales income remains subject to income tax.
Can I sell homemade meals if I have a shared kitchen?
Yes, under certain conditions. The kitchen must be clean and properly equipped at the time you use it. You must be able to comply with sanitation standards during your sessions. Some shared kitchens (community kitchens) are already certified—check with your municipality.
