Geraldine Smith

There is probably somewhere in the food code that says something about commercial licensing and commercial kitchens, and it may even list some requirements about how producers handle food, but you really won’t be able to get the full scoop without talking to them directly.

I don’t think it will matter that the extra building is almost a house.…[Read more]

I don’t think you can use the cottage food law, since the kitchen is not in your primary residence. You should call the health dept and ask if they would allow it.

You definitely need to call your health dept before spending a ton of money on this. I don’t think you can use the cottage food law, since it’s not the kitchen in your primary residence. You can probably do this with a commercial license if you make that building into a commercial kitchen, but you need to be aware of all the requirements that go…[Read more]

Soup like that would not be allowed from a home kitchen. Only dry soup mixes would work. http://forrager.com/faq/#commercial

Are they aware of the “Home Food Processing” program? Some departments are just not aware, and some are opposed to it. If I were you, I’d call up Sheri Morris (the program manager) at 717-787-5289, or email her at shmorris@state.pa.us and see what she has to say. It is possible that your local government could prevent you from operating, but you…[Read more]

Oftentimes people use the cottage food laws as an easy way to get a food business started. Once you pass the limit, then you need to become a standard food business, which, aside from getting licenses and certain amounts of training, would require you to make everything in a commercial kitchen, instead of your home kitchen. The process can be…[Read more]

No, canned vegetables are not allowed.

1. Yes, if you are selling at an external location like a farmers market.
2. No
3. The label is what you attach to all your products, which gives the consumer info about you and the product.
4. You have to contact your city’s planning division to learn what the zoning requirements are for you.
5. Start simple and small, and work your way up from there.