Health approvals

The “not inspected” sign at your market table

BC’s market guideline recommends a sign the customer can see, saying home-made food was made in a kitchen that isn’t inspected. It is a recommendation, not a law, but Island Health requires markets to follow the guideline and makes the Market managerThe person in charge of a farmers’ market. They apply to Island Health for the market, keep the list of vendors and their foods, and check each vendor follows the provincial guideline. Without one, home-made food can’t be sold there.All terms in the glossary responsible for checking that vendors do. The guideline’s wording is “This food has been prepared in a kitchen that is not inspected by a regulatory authority”; similar wording is fine. Under the 2026 draft, the sign becomes one of the conditions for selling home-made food without health approval.

A change is coming

  • A new guideline for selling at farmers’ markets — proposed, no date set; it may not happen. What changes
Who issues it
Market guideline

Which businesses need it

Home-based food makersRecommended by BC’s market guideline, which Island Health holds markets toFarmers’ market vendorsFor home-made food; recommended by BC’s market guideline, which Island Health holds markets to

The rules behind this page

Last checked 5 November 2026. We check this guide regularly against Island Health, provincial and municipal sources, but regulations and laws change often and we can’t guarantee it is complete or current. Confirm with Island Health and your municipality before you apply, build or sell.

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