David Crabill
@david
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Many states allow roasted coffee, but Maryland doesn’t specifically list info about it online. I assume that you would be allowed to make it, given Maryland’s rules, but you need to ask your health department before going ahead. Sorry I can’t help you too much.
No, meat jerkies are not allowed… in fact, nothing containing meat would be allowed. Sorry, that’s just the way the law is.
Jan, unfortunately Santa Clara county seems to be the most restrictive county in the state. They are very strict, at least regarding the cottage food laws.
In short, this cottage food law would not apply to you. Not that it would matter anyway… Santa Clara’s cottage food permit fees are very expensive.
Fortunately, there is an exemption for these types of events in California’s Retail Food Code. On page 90, in Chapter 11, section 114339(b):
“Notwithstanding subdivision (a), nonpotentially hazardous beverages and baked goods may be offered for sale, sold, or given away by a nonprofit charitable organization or by an established club or organization that operates under the authorization of a school or educational facility for fundraising purposes at community events.”
So based on that, you should be able to hold your event without a license. Most states have an exemption like this for these types of events, but your county does have the authority to override that state ruling. Let’s hope that’s not the case.
Lots of good info Julie. In addition to that, I think you will be considered a self-employed independent contractor when tax time rolls around. At least in CA, you need to pay estimated taxes every quarter for your business, and you can get penalized if you don’t. Aside from estimated taxes, I don’t think you have much you need to do now, other than make sure you retain your business documentation and sales info.
I wish I could help you more. All I know for sure is that this wouldn’t be allowed under the cottage food law, but you already know that. I believe that you can run this kind of business from home, but I am not an expert in any way about creating personal care products. You might need to get a home occupation permit and seller’s permit, and I think you have to charge sales tax for that. Beyond that, I can’t guide you further.
Yes, you can advertise your product online as long as all of your sales are in-person.
As long as your caramel sauce is considered non-potentially hazardous confectionary good, then you should be able to sell as a cottage food operation using the laws described on this site. Caramel sauces may be a little more borderline, and your health department may require that it be lab-tested before approving your registration.
John, I know it’s hard to find this info, but it’s not that crazy! (you’re not the first person to ask about this on here)
Generally speaking, unless you fall under a special exemption (which it sounds like you wouldn’t given the circumstances you’re describing), then you need a license to even give away your goodies. It doesn’t really matter if you’re profiting from it or not: the laws are built in large part to ensure the safety of food. I can’t find a Florida-specific article about this, but I believe that’s generally the case in all states.
If you are willing to restrict the type of food that you want to give away, you could fairly easily setup a cottage food operation, as long as you don’t live in Miami-Dade county.
If you run a cottage food operation, then you can legally only make food from your home kitchen. To make your product in a commercial kitchen, you need to be operating under a different license (which would also allow you to ship out-of-state).
The reason you can’t find anything about out-of-state sales is because those are not allowed under the cottage food law. Most counties also don’t allow shipping at all, but I think that Orange County may be one of the few exceptions. If Orange County has said that it’s okay to ship, then you can legally make your product at home and then ship in-state only.
Jammy, you can sell your biscotti, since that’s considered a cookie. I believe you can use wild yeast to make them.
I am not sure what you are asking about with the fresh fruit. Can you clarify?
