Rachel West

No, NY isn’t really setup for a custom food business, since they only allow sales at events and stores. The law is intended for a home cook who makes items and then brings them to an event and sells them there, or sells them to a store for resale. You should contact your health dept: http://forrager.com/faq/#commercial

Yes, as long as you’re using a commercial kitchen and have the appropriate licenses from the health dept and county, you can sell your hot sauce. You need to call your health dept learn about the steps to become a commercial food processor.

Yes, you must follow all of the requirements on this page, which includes getting registered with the ag dept. How long you run your business for is insignificant. You do not need to get your kitchen inspected, but I’m not sure what other local requirements you will have to follow. http://forrager.com/faq/#starting

Selling uncooked mushrooms would fall under the realm of the ag dept, similar to selling produce. It wouldn’t fall under the cottage food law and I don’t know the rules about selling those.

If you get a standard commercial license, which requires the use of a commercial kitchen (only), then you can do just about anything possible… it’s just more complicated and more expensive, and less convenient if you’d rather cook in your home. But you could sell anywhere, including interstate and over the internet, and you would be given a license.

No, these items are not allowed. There are only a few states that allow extracts.

No, delivery is not allowed. The sale must take place at a farmers market, food stand on a farm, or other ag-related event.

Jackie, it’s likely that you wouldn’t be able to sell dog biscuits made from home. There is no state, as far as I’m aware, that specifically allows pet food, but a number of states clarify that they don’t allow it. I’m not surprised you’re having trouble finding an answer — it’s quite possible that even your health department won’t know.…[Read more]