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.

Food and Drug Protection Division links

My business will be:

• Commercial Business (product will be manufactured in a processing plant)
• Home Processor (product will be produced in your home kitchen)
• Pet Food or Treats

Other resources

• N.C. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
• FDA Good Manufacturing Practice Guidelines
• NCSU Entrepreneur Assistance Program
• Business ServiCenter by the N.C. Department of Commerce
• Office of Business & Entrepreneurial Services
• NCDA&CS' Marketing Division Agribusiness Development Office
• NCDA&CS General Store- Create a free website for your company!
• Blue Ridge Food Ventures - a full-scale commercial kitchen operation for value-added food production in western North Carolina.