Washington

I would recommend talking with the health dept about what they’d be okay with. Some officials are more strict than others.

Also, I’ll add that despite the ridiculous requirement (IMHO) of having a startup submit every possible label variation before they’ve even started their business, in my experience most people do tweak their recipes…[Read more]

I don’t know exactly why, but it seems to affect all populous states. CA and TX have had to go through major efforts to get their laws to be reasonable. CA would probably be the same as WA, or worse, if it weren’t for the major desires and pressures from its citizens for local food. CA is usually on the front end of trends when it comes to the…[Read more]

Sorry, you wouldn’t be able to use the cottage food law for either of those items. http://forrager.com/faq/#commercial

I don’t know if rice krispy treats are allowed (probably), but you can definitely use a recipe from a cookbook.

I am going to be building a labeling system into this website, but that won’t be available for at least a few months. I know there are companies that will take over printing your labels, but I don’t know any that will also figure out how to arrange the label. You could hire a designer to make your labels, but that would probably be expensive.

A…[Read more]

No — WA only allows high-sugar jams, jellies, and preserves, as well as fruit butters.

Yes, cupcakes are allowed.

When you bake a cake, the egg gets cooked into the batter and that’s allowed. Basically, if your product needs refrigeration, as would be the case with a custard, cheesecake, or cream pie, then it isn’t allowed. Standalone milk and dairy products, like yogurt, cheese, etc. are not allowed, but you can incorporate…[Read more]

Here is a good video from Felicia Hill who setup the cottage food law in WA: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=3710115150063&set=vb.212823708752853&type=2&theater