Food Factory License
A food factory license applies to businesses that prepare food for consumption outside the premises, such as central kitchens or food processing factories (excluding frozen dessert factories). It is also referred to as a “takeaway license” since dine-in services are not permitted.
Suitable Businesses
Food processing factories, street food stalls, bubble tea shops, takeaway coffee shops, and takeaway meal box vendors.
Premises Specifications Requirements
- Premises for selling takeaway cooked meals must have a minimum food preparation area of 6 square meters.
- Premises for reheating pre-cooked food must have a minimum food preparation area of 3.5 square meters.
Building Restrictions
From a fire safety perspective, the following premises are not suitable for obtaining a food factory license:
- Premises located on the fourth basement level or below.
- Premises located directly below a registered school/kindergarten or posing fire hazards to these establishments.
License Fees
- For establishments of 200 square meters or less, the annual fee ranges from HKD$3,740 to HKD$6,580.
- For establishments between 200 and 2,000 square meters, the annual fee ranges from HKD$8,450 to HKD$56,330.
- For establishments over 2,000 square meters, the annual fee ranges from HKD$62,940 to HKD$125,840.
Q&A
There are no specific restrictions on cooking methods or food types for food factory license, except for certain items that require additional licenses (e.g., dairy products, ice cream, or baked goods).
For public events where temporary stalls sell pre-cooked food for off-premises consumption, a Temporary food factory License valid for up to seven days is required. Temporary license holders may only sell pre-cooked food reheated on-site using electrical appliances and are not allowed to cook food on the premises.
APPLICATION PROCESS
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