Skip to content

AI search tool

Try our new Search AI tool as an alternative to the search below to improve your experience on Alberta.ca using artificial intelligence. See the AISearch fact sheet for more information.

Popular topics:

Part of Search public engagements

Gig chef economy engagement

Stakeholders in the foodservice industry are invited to share insights on the impact of a gig chef economy in Alberta on food regulations.

Status

  • Open

  • Results under review

  • Completed

Who is listening

Ministry of Health

Overview

We are seeking current perspectives to inform how the gig chef economy could operate within Alberta’s food safety regulatory framework.

The gig chef economy is a system where chefs may work in different kitchens for short periods, often through short-term contracts or freelance work. This may happen on short notice and even for a few hours at a time. Gig chefs might prepare, cook or serve food for catering, onsite dining, curbside pick up, or for sale at another location through online platforms.

Owners or operators of commercial kitchens provide the space for gig chefs to work by choosing to rent out their kitchen space when it is not otherwise being used. Gig chefs may share the same kitchen space.

The gig chef economy could benefit both sides – with owners and operators of commercial kitchens getting an extra source of income and with gig chefs having the chance to work out of different kitchens without having to spend money on their own commercial kitchen.

Get informed

We are considering options for modernizing food safety legislation, including how the gig chef economy could operate within Alberta’s regulatory framework.

The Food Regulation, enforced by Alberta Health Services, lists the requirements for the safe handling of food that is available to the public. The primary goal of the regulation is to protect the public from illnesses caused by food. Currently, some requirements within the Food Regulation pose potential barriers to the gig chef economy as they slow down timely access to rentable commercial kitchen space.

We are considering changing or eliminating removing some of these requirements that may be considered duplicative or unnecessary – that may create “red tape” – for the gig chef economy without putting food safety at risk.

Stakeholder engagement

We are engaging with stakeholders in the foodservice and gig chef industries, starting March 24, 2025, gathering insights and perspectives to inform policy and decision-making.

Outcomes

Feedback received from this engagement will help inform policies related to the gig chef economy and Alberta’s public health legislation, regulations and policies related to food safety.

Contact

Connect with us if you have questions regarding the gig chef economy engagement:
Email: ah.publichealthengagement@gov.ab.ca