Does a workplace canteen need to obtain a Food Business License?

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Question: General Administration, there is a canteen in a certain organization that prepares meals only for its internal employees without charging any fees. In such a case, is it necessary to obtain a Food Business License? Thank you. Reply: Hello, we have received the issue you mentioned in your message. 1. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Food Safety Law and the Measures for the Administration of Food Business Licenses, those who engage in food service activities within the People’s Republic of China must obtain a food business license in accordance with the law. **A licensing system is implemented for those engaged in food service in order to regulate food-related business activities and ensure food safety. Whether such activities are carried out for profit or not, it is necessary to obtain a food business license in accordance with the law. 2. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Measures for the Administration of Food Business Licenses, a unit canteen refers to a food service provider located in government agencies, public institutions, social organizations, private non-enterprise units, enterprises, etc., that provides meals for their internal employees, students, and others on a collective basis. Preparing meals in an employer’s canteen for internal employees to consume constitutes engaging in food service activities. 3. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Food Safety Law, provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government shall formulate specific management measures for small food service establishments. If, according to local regulations, it is subject to the management rules for small food businesses, it shall be handled in accordance with those regulations. For further information, it is recommended that you consult the local market supervision authorities by referring to specific cases. Thank you for your support of food business safety supervision! Relevant department: Department for the Supervision and Management of Food Business Safety