Difficulties launching a small-scale food business legally / ONSSA
Hello,
I would like to launch a small ice cream business, starting with plant-based products (simpler hygiene regulations), targeting restaurants and B2B clients. However, I’m struggling to understand where I can legally produce my products while being authorized to sell them.
Technically, I only need around 20m² to produce a few liters per day in order to test the concept. I’ve been told that ONSSA approval is mandatory to be allowed to sell, and that this approval is only granted to large, well-structured facilities, which doesn’t seem suitable for a small startup project (for example, ready-to-use laboratories start at around 70 000 dhs/ month in rent).
I haven’t been able to find any shared kitchen/laboratory concepts like those that exist abroad.
I’ve contacted ONSSA and the hygiene department several times, but I honestly feel like I’m asking for a state secret… I can’t seem to get any clear information. Everyone tells me to rent a space first and apply for authorization afterward… which seems absurd.
I don’t understand why large spaces would be necessary, since hygiene standards can absolutely be applied in small facilities as well.
Does anyone know if there’s a possible solution, please?