Cottage Cooking

Cottage cooking has been around for centuries, and the practice is still going strong as demand for homemade food grows. The industry has become a multi-billion sector, thanks to increased interest in eating local food. Many chefs and bakers are switching to the cottage food business as a viable alternative to the traditional brick-and-mortar model. Hence, cottage cooking can act as a path to entrepreneurship.

Some prominent food entrepreneurs kickstarted their ventures in residential kitchens — think Martha Stewart, Ina Garten, and many well-known chefs. Individuals with the right skills typically own the required equipment and ingredients, making it easier to launch a venture in the cottage food industry. However, starting a business in this sector may entail obtaining state licenses or permits. Traditionally, the food processing industry is the domain of large companies.

Various cottage food types fall under the low-risk category since they pose a limited risk of triggering food-borne diseases. Meanwhile, high-risk foods typically require refrigeration to prevent spoiling.

For many decades, people have been preparing jam, cookies, and other recipes to sell in their communities. In the past, people could create recipes and cook the food without worrying about regulatory requirements.

Nowadays, state laws compel individuals to comply with specific rules, including applying for licenses and permits before selling cottage food. These laws have enabled more people to consider developing businesses around this age-old tradition.

As in the past, individuals still bake or cook food for sale at the local farmer's market and other locations and events. The introduction of laws governing cottage food sales eliminates the need for entrepreneurs to become subject to the same laws applicable to corporations.

Cottage Food Laws

The majority of states outside of New Jersey have adopted cottage food laws. In doing so, states allow residents to prepare and sell non-hazardous cottage foods. Examples of these foods include jellies, baked items, and jams. Low-risk foods permitted for sale to the public do not require temperature controls.

In states such as Wyoming, Maine, Utah, and North Dakota, cottage cooking laws allow entrepreneurs to sell items without complying with standard rules. The so-called food freedom laws exempt cottage food sales from rules governing food establishments like restaurants and grocery stores. Although federal authorities seldom intervene in regulating the food processing sector, individual states enact laws for their jurisdictions.

Here are the cottage food laws by state for Massachusetts, New York, California, Texas, and cities like Asheville.

Cottage food laws California

Anyone planning to run a cottage food business in California should adhere to the state's basic rules. Assembly Bill (AB) 1616 stipulates regulatory requirements, including permits, food safety protocols, approved foods list, and labeling requirements. The law compels all cottage food operations to conduct business activities within specified annual sales limits.

In California, the allowed foods list includes baked items without meat fillings, cream, or custard. Cottage food operators can also prepare and sell dried fruit, popcorn, fruit pies, candy, waffle cones, and other low-risk foods. On the other hand, food vendors must apply for one of two food permits via the health department offices.

One of the permits allows operators to sell directly to the public, while the second permit enables individuals to sell through established businesses like grocery stores.

Cottage food laws Texas

State laws compel entrepreneurs to produce foodstuffs in their place of residence. The property should have a hygienic kitchen and appliances. The gross income of the operations should not exceed $50,000. Cottage food laws in Texas eliminate the need to apply for permits before starting operations. Meanwhile, labeling is a critical requirement for all cottage foods.

Packaging of the goods should prevent contamination of foods on the approved list. Operators must include labeling information on payment receipts or invoices for foods sold without packaging. Labels should indicate the name and address of the operation, any allergens in the foods, and confirm that the seller prepared the food in a home kitchen.

Cottage food laws NY

According to cottage food laws New York, cottage food operators qualify for home processor exemption. Once approved, an operator can prepare foods like snack mixes, baked goods, and jellies for sale. The exemption eliminates the need to comply with Article 20-C licensing requirements. Sales of all home-cooked foods should take place within New York state lines.

Examples of low-risk cottage foods approved for sale in New York include cookies, popcorn, bread, cakes, peanut brittle, vegetable chips, and candy (excluding chocolate). As a vendor, you need to use ordinary home kitchen appliances instead of commercial equipment to prepare the meals.

Similarly, if you intend to use a private water system like a well, the law compels you to conduct a water analysis test. Your application for home processor exemption must include copies of the test results.

Virginia cottage food laws

Cottage food laws in Virginia make it compulsory for all operators to undergo periodic inspections. Authorities conduct inspections of home kitchens to determine adherence to food safety protocols. Although the law does not permit online cottage food sales, operators can advertise their offerings online.

Cottage cooking in North Carolina

The law in North Carolina, prohibits food preparation in home kitchens where pets regularly visit. In addition, your kitchen should meet food safety guidelines. State inspectors check the processing area for cleanliness and the presence of suitable appliances. Home-cooked foods allowed for selling include dried mixes, spices, baked items, jellies, and candies.

Massachusetts cottage food laws

Cottage food operations in Massachusetts require the issuance of a permit by the state. The operations should adhere to guidelines stipulated by the 105 CMR 590 retail food code. State law prohibits vacuum packing, curing (smoking), hot filling, acidification, and thermal processing in hermetically-sealed containers.

Cottage Food License

Do I need a license to sell homemade food? This question is common among individuals planning to start selling cottage food. Although many states require permits for operating a cottage cooking business, many others like Texas allow entrepreneurs to sell without a license or permit.

In most cases, state authorities impose a cottage food license requirement if the business entails selling directly or indirectly to the public. The latter involves selling the food via established retailers or eateries. Anyone interested in selling across state lines needs to comply with state and federal laws.

Direct to public cottage food sales may occur at craft fairs, festivals, farmer's markets, and other events. The food license or permit ensures that a home-based vendor meets specific cottage food safety standards and only sells items on the approved cottage food list. Local health departments often conduct home kitchen inspections before and after issuing cottage food permits.

Cottage food license application

To apply for the license or permit, you need to meet guidelines stipulated by the roadside stand laws or cottage food laws. In California, the state government requires you to complete a self-certification checklist.

This rule applies to Class A permit applications, which do not entail physical inspection of your home kitchen. In such cases, the annual inspections apply to operators keen to sell via established businesses like restaurants and grocery stores.

During the application process, most states require you to provide a list of recipes and ingredients. The process also involves submitting copies of packaging labels and the kitchen’s floor plan. A detailed description of cottage food packaging is also necessary.

Officials from the health department will ask for a list of home kitchen appliances and utensils. At the same time, a description of the food contact surfaces helps state officials determine the kitchen's suitability for food preparation. Many states require home-based food vendors to complete a food handling course recognized by the health department.

Cottage food permit fees vary by state and are usually non-refundable. To ensure a successful application, your food list should not include high-risk foods. Also, verify the payment options offered by the state or county authorities. Some states do not accept credit card payments. On the other hand, you may be allowed to mail a check or money order as payment for the permit to sell food from home.

Additional considerations

If you plan to cook food at home for sale as part of a religious or charitable event, no license or permit application is necessary. However, state laws dictate that the food does not require any time or temperature control to ensure safe consumption. Likewise, the items must have a label indicating that you prepared the food in a home kitchen.

The location of the charitable or religious event does not need a license or permit. Thus, this exemption can apply to a church, school, or other facility hosting the bake sale. Food donations to a non-profit organization that does not sell the goods is another activity, eliminating the need for a permit or license. The exemption also applies if the organization only charges consumers a nominal handling fee.

If you decide to operate the venture under a vendor name different from your name, you need to register a business. In the event that you want buyers to purchase the foods from your home, there is a need for signage on the property. However, local authorities may impose restrictions regarding signage in residential areas.

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Additional Resources

Commercial Kitchen In Home | Cottage Baking | Cottage Cook Software | Cottage Food Community | Food Business From Home | Food Business From Home Ideas | Home Baking Business | Home Food Business Insurance | Home Kitchen Bakery‍