Is Selling Homemade Food Legal in Greece After the 2026 Policy Reforms?

Yes, selling homemade food in Greece is permitted under strict conditions. The Hellenic Republic’s 2023 Food Hygiene Regulation (ΦΕΚ 3800/Β/2023) allows micro-scale production of non-perishable foods (e.g., baked goods, jams) for direct sales, provided compliance with EU Regulation 852/2004 and local municipal permits. However, perishable items require EU-approved facilities. The 2026 National Food Safety Plan tightens oversight, mandating registration with the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority)-aligned Hellenic Food Authority (EFSA Greece) and municipal health inspections. Non-compliance risks fines up to €5,000 or shutdowns.

Key Regulations for Selling Homemade Food in Greece

  • Registration Mandate: Producers must register with EFSA Greece under the Micro-enterprise Food Business scheme (Article 6, ΦΕΚ 3800/2023), submitting a hygiene self-declaration. Home-based operations are exempt only if sales are ≤€15,000 annually and products are non-perishable.
  • Permitted Products: Only foods with low microbiological risk (e.g., dried herbs, honey, preserved fruits) are eligible. Perishable goods (dairy, meat, seafood) require commercial kitchens certified by the Regional Food Safety Directorate.
  • Labeling & Traceability: Labels must include ingredients, allergens, producer’s EFSA registration number, and “Homemade Production” in Greek. Digital traceability systems (mandated by 2026) require QR codes linking to production records.