Stephanie Borns

I don’t think there’s any exemption — perhaps the ag dept will allow you to hand out labels separately from the item, or possibly hand out the ingredient list separately.

If you look at some products in stores (like candy bars), you can see that a lot of info can be fit onto a small package. It’s also possible to use some creativity to attach…[Read more]

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

No, you need a commercial kitchen for that. http://forrager.com/faq/#commercial

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.

You probably need a business license (you don’t need to be incorporated)… not sure if you need a tax number. Here’s some info on insurance: http://forrager.com/faq/#insurance

It all depends on where you live. I’d recommend that as a first step, you call your county’s planning division.

Usually restaurants and grocery stores are more lucrative if you can get them to carry your products. Most startups just do whatever they can get their hands on, or whatever they have the time for. Selling to individuals takes less time and effort, and can be more rewarding because you develop relationships with your customers. But it just depends…[Read more]

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]