Get a permit to sell or give away food at an event

You need to get a permit to sell or give away food you've made at an event. This could be a function or a special occasion. Submit your application 2 weeks before your event.

Here's a list of kitchen facilities in Whitehorse that you can rent to make food:

• Association franco-yukonnaise – 302 Strickland Street, phone 867-668-2663 ext. 550;
• Royal Canadian Legion – 503 Steele Street, phone 867-667-2802
• Sacred Heart Cathedral – 406 Steele Street, phone 867-667-2437;
• United Church – 601 Main Street, phone 867-667-2989; and
• Hellaby Hall in Christ Church Cathedral – corner of 4th Avenue and Elliott Street, phone 867-667-7746.

When you do not need a permit

You do not need a permit to make non-potentially hazardous foods:

• apple sauce;
• fudge, toffee and hard candy;
• bread, bannock and buns as long as you do not use potentially hazardous foods as fillings, such as dairy or cheese;
• butter tarts;
• cakes, cinnamon buns, brownies or muffins with sugar icing only and no dairy fillings or synthetic whipped cream;
• popcorn;
• dry cereal products;
• dry noodles made with dry flour only and no eggs;
• chocolate;
• cookies, Rice Krispies squares;
• dried fruit;
• whole fresh fruit and vegetables;
• fruit pies and pastry;
• pasteurized honey and syrup;
• jam or jelly with pH 4.6 or less; and
• pickled vegetables with pH 4.6 or less.

You can make the items listed above in a home kitchen.

What we consider when reviewing your application

The very young and very old are more vulnerable to illness. Some of the things we consider when deciding if a temporary food permit is required include:

• what population will be served; 
• planned menu items;
• source and quality of food and water;
• location of food preparation and facility;
• is the facility approved by Environmental Health Services for food preparation;
• are all required facilities available; and
• the overall method of food preparation and handling.

Before you apply

To successfully complete your application, gather information about:

• your menu;
• how food will be prepared;
• your water supply;
• sewage and solid waste disposal;
• washroom facilities; and
• facilities for washing your hands, surfaces, utensils or kitchenware.

How to apply

1. Gather the documents you need.
2. Complete the application.
3. Submit your application 2 weeks before the event, function or special occasion.
   In person: 2 Hospital Road, Whitehorse. Our Environmental Health Services office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m.
   Email: environmental.health@gov.yk.ca
   Fax: 867- 667-8322

Still not sure if you need a permit?

Foods that support the growth of infectious microorganisms will need a permit. If you're in doubt if the food you'll be serving is potentially hazardous contact us.