Isabella

Melanie is correct. It is specified in the law under the CFO definition:

“Cottage food operation” means an operation conducted by a person who produces or packages food or drink… in a kitchen located in that person’s primary domestic residence or another appropriately designed and equipped kitchen on a farm for direct sale by the owner, a family…

[Read more]

I understand that as a cottage baker I can only bake in MY home kitchen, but does that also mean that I CANNOT bake out of a commercial kitchen with the cottage food certificate and sell my products directly to my customers.

That’s exactly what it means. There is an intentional limitation created by restricting volume to that which can be m…[Read more]

David, you’re a genius! Thank you! I don’t know why I didn’t think about a used scale. This one you’ve linked to is perfect and not too expensive. I love this community!

I wonder if you could get a used one. Also I just checked WebstaurantStore and they have one for $100: https://www.webstaurantstore.com/14309/legal-for-trade-scales.html?order=price_asc

Yes, David, I agree, they are strict! And it is seemingly near impossible for me to locate an affordable one. The one the DC govt suggested I buy is $300. So, now I’m a little discouraged.

Wow that’s surprising that they’re that strict! I have never looked into NTEP scales, so I’d be interested to hear what you learn.

Yes, you can sell popcorn, nuts, candy, and most nonperishable snack foods.

However, you can only produce from your primary residence. I believe the health dept would determine that a motel room’s kitchen — even one that you use for the majority of the year — would not qualify for cottage food production.