IS YOUR FOOD PACKAGING MISSING THIS STICKER? DISCOVER MALAYSIA’S HOME-BASED FOOD LISTING

Have you ever noticed a round sticker on some food packages that reads “Home-based Food”? That’s not just any sticker — it’s a mark of official recognition by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) under its Home-based Food Listing initiative.  In Malaysia, more and more people are running small food businesses from home — baking cookies, making cakes, preparing festive dishes, frozen meals, sauces, and even bento boxes — and selling them via platforms like social media, WhatsApp, Xiaohongshu (RED), or Shopee.  But did you know that even small-scale, home-based food sellers can gain official recognition from the Ministry of Health?

Let me explain what this certification is, how it benefits you, and what you need to apply.

What is the Home-based Food Listing?

The Home-based Food Listing is a voluntary data registration initiative launched by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH).  It’s designed for individuals who prepare and sell food from their home kitchens — including cookies, cakes, pastries, condiments, frozen items, bento meals, and other processed food.  It’s not a license or mandatory permit, but an official recognition that your home-based food business operates under safe and hygienic practices.  Once approved, you're allowed to affix a special “Home-based Food Listing” sticker on your product packaging. Your business will also be registered in MOH’s listing database.

Why Should You Apply?

Though entirely free of charge, this certification brings real advantages:

1. ✅ Ensures Food Safety & Hygiene

Applicants would understand and implement basic food handling practices, helping reduce the risks of food contamination or foodborne illness.

2. ✅ Builds Consumer Trust

When customers see the MOH-certified sticker on your product, they feel safer and more confident purchasing — especially important when selling online or through social media.

3. ✅ Prepares You for Future Certifications (MeSTI, GMP, HACCP)

This listing serves as a stepping stone toward further food safety certifications like MeSTI, GMP, or HACCP.  Businesses that begin with Home-based Food Listing are more prepared when scaling up, because they’ve already adopted the basic requirements — similar to how MeSTI-ready companies can transition to HACCP more easily.

4. ✅ Helps You Qualify for Government & Corporate Procurement

To participate in events, food fairs, or supply chains involving schools, hospitals, and corporate cafeterias — having this certification is often an entry-level requirement.

What Do You Need to Apply?

To be eligible, you’ll need the following:

✅ Registration in the FOSIM system (MOH’s food safety platform)

✅ Compliance with the Home-based Food Guidelines

✅ Proper food labeling

✅ Certificate of Completion from a Food Handler Training Course

✅ Valid Typhoid Vaccination Certificate

📣 I’m currently developing an online course to guide home-based food sellers through the Home-based Food Listing application process — step by step!

🧠 This course will help you:

✅ to prepare all required documents

✅ to recap the basic practices of food handlings 

✅ to learn the process flow towards gaining the listing

✅ to create compliant food labels

📌 Format: Online + Guided Support

📌 Suitable for: All home-based food producers looking to apply

📌 Course Fee: Special introductory price (to be announced)

🔔 Interested?

💬 Comment “Interested” or DM me, and I’ll notify you as soon as registration opens.

Feel free to share this blog with your fellow home-based food sellers — let’s raise the standard of home food businesses in Malaysia, together.

Chung (Mr)

FHC Trainer