scott

I don’t see anything in the Illinois Cottage Food Law relating hand washing and packaging.
The hand washing is for food sampling which is a separate issue from packaging. The sampling rules mention
“pre-packaged” food items that will be used for sampling, but again, that is a separate issue from what I am asking about.

I don’t think many, if any, counties allow meringue powder. Other CFOs who are using it may be doing so illegally.

I think you’re exempt from the state tax, but you might have county or city sales taxes that you need to collect. Here’s some more info: http://forrager.com/faq/#sales-tax

Paul, I know that some people roast coffee beans in their oven, but I don’t know how most people do it. It is possible to have your kitchen extend to other parts of the home (that aren’t sleeping areas), but I don’t know if a garage would be allowed. Assuming you’re in CA, you should talk with your environmental health dept about what they will allow.

No, cooked potatoes and cheese would not be allowed in cottage food items. You’ll need to use a commercial kitchen. http://forrager.com/faq/#commercial