Food Safety in NC

Whether you're preparing dinner, preserving food, starting a food business, or looking for food safety regulations, you'll find trusted, research-based guidance here.

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Traditional chalkboard with an apple drawn in white chalk to the left, and the words "Food Safety in North Carolina" to the right
Cook Food Safely

Learn how to safely prepare, cook, store, and serve food at home to help prevent foodborne illness.

Preserve Food At Home

Find research-based guidance for canning, freezing, drying, fermenting, and other methods of preserving food safely.

Start a Food Business

Learn the steps to start a food business in North Carolina, including regulations, licensing, labeling, and food safety requirements.

Operate a Food Business

Access resources for food safety, regulatory compliance, employee training, recalls, traceability, and best practices for established food businesses.

Emergency Food Safety

Protect your food and your family before, during, and after power outages, floods, hurricanes, and other emergencies.

Regulations and Publications

Browse North Carolina and federal food safety regulations, guidance documents, publications, fact sheets, and educational resources.

Find Food Safety Training

Explore food safety courses, certifications, workshops, and educational programs for consumers, food workers, and food businesses.

Use the Commercial Kitchen

Find information about using the shared commercial kitchen, including eligibility, scheduling, policies, equipment, and food safety expectations.