Yes, selling homemade food in Switzerland is permitted under strict conditions. The Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) regulates this activity, requiring compliance with hygiene and labeling standards. Local cantonal authorities enforce these rules, with recent 2026 amendments tightening oversight for direct-to-consumer sales.
Key Regulations for Selling Homemade Food in Switzerland
- Hygiene and Production Standards: Homemade food must adhere to FSVO’s Ordinance on Hygiene for Food of Animal Origin (RS 817.024.1) and Ordinance on Food Hygiene (RS 817.024.11). This includes mandatory handwashing stations, separate storage for raw ingredients, and temperature-controlled preparation areas. Violations risk fines up to CHF 20,000.
- Direct Sales Exemptions: Small-scale sales (≤ CHF 50,000 annual turnover) are exempt from commercial licensing under the Federal Act on Foodstuffs and Utility Articles (RS 817.0), but must register with the cantonal veterinary office. Products sold at farmers’ markets or online require additional cantonal permits.
- Labeling and Traceability: All homemade food must display the producer’s name, address, ingredients (with allergens highlighted), and “Produit à la maison” (homemade) labeling. Traceability records must be retained for 3 years per FSVO guidelines.
Cantonal variations exist; for instance, Zurich mandates additional microbial testing for dairy products, while Geneva prohibits the sale of certain high-risk items (e.g., raw meat) entirely. Consult the cantonal Veterinäramt or Service de la consommation before commencing operations. Non-compliance with FSVO’s 2026 amendments—such as digital record-keeping requirements—may result in immediate sales bans.