Tracy Mason

Jan, unfortunately Santa Clara county seems to be the most restrictive county in the state. They are very strict, at least regarding the cottage food laws.

In short, this cottage food law would not apply to you. Not that it would matter anyway… Santa Clara’s cottage food permit fees are very expensive.

Fortunately, there is an exemption for…[Read more]

Lots of good info Julie. In addition to that, I think you will be considered a self-employed independent contractor when tax time rolls around. At least in CA, you need to pay estimated taxes every quarter for your business, and you can get penalized if you don’t. Aside from estimated taxes, I don’t think you have much you need to do now, other…[Read more]

I wish I could help you more. All I know for sure is that this wouldn’t be allowed under the cottage food law, but you already know that. I believe that you can run this kind of business from home, but I am not an expert in any way about creating personal care products. You might need to get a home occupation permit and seller’s permit, and I…[Read more]

Yes, you can advertise your product online as long as all of your sales are in-person.

As long as your caramel sauce is considered non-potentially hazardous confectionary good, then you should be able to sell as a cottage food operation using the laws described on this site. Caramel sauces may be a little more borderline, and your health department may require that it be lab-tested before approving your registration.

John, I know it’s hard to find this info, but it’s not that crazy! (you’re not the first person to ask about this on here)

Generally speaking, unless you fall under a special exemption (which it sounds like you wouldn’t given the circumstances you’re describing), then you need a license to even give away your goodies. It doesn’t really matter if…[Read more]

If you run a cottage food operation, then you can legally only make food from your home kitchen. To make your product in a commercial kitchen, you need to be operating under a different license (which would also allow you to ship out-of-state).

The reason you can’t find anything about out-of-state sales is because those are not allowed under the…[Read more]

Jammy, you can sell your biscotti, since that’s considered a cookie. I believe you can use wild yeast to make them.

I am not sure what you are asking about with the fresh fruit. Can you clarify?

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]

Erik, all your food prep needs to happen in your home kitchen. You can give out samples, but they need to be prepackaged at home. To make the samples on-site, you would need a different kind of license.

On a different note, I’m surprised that you even got pancakes approved. They are not baked and have a higher moisture content than most…[Read more]

Syrups are not part of the cottage food law in Illinois. I’m not sure what the rules about production are, but you might start by asking the health department.

Custards are not allowed. There should be a number of farmers markets that allow cottage food operations. They may require a business license, but not a food processor license from the health department.

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]

Crystal, I can tell you that a cottage food permit is for those only preparing food in their home kitchen. Since you are not doing this, then the law won’t apply to you. As for what’s the best way for you to sell your pre-made goods, I really have no idea. I am totally unfamiliar with the process for using your home as a sales venue outside of the…[Read more]

Yes, as long as the sales are face-to-face, and you are selling items that are on the list of allowed foods, you should be fine.

Agnes, I don’t like being the bearer of bad news, but I have to be honest by saying that aside from you moving to a another county, or getting the law in Miami-Dade changed, there is not a way for you to legally sell your homemade goods. You need a license and need to be making your items in a commercial kitchen, unless you want to run your b…[Read more]

No, items with meat in them are not allowed.

You may only sell from your residence, farmers markets, farm stands, and public events like fairs and festivals. Aside from that restriction, though, you should also know that the food must be produced from your kitchen. That means that if you live in a dorm, and use a communal kitchen, you would not be able to sell what you make there. But if you…[Read more]

The actual law language says labels must include “…the date on which the food product was packaged, the net quantity of the food product…”

I’m not sure if the law is referring to net weight, or if you could simply put the number of cookies on the label (because of “net quantity”). But you can’t go wrong if you just put the net weight. As far…[Read more]

Yeah I know. Aside from pushing through an amendment in the next legislative session (will take awhile), I’d say you have two options, both of which existed before these cottage food laws came into place. The first is to start a regular food business. Yes it is more expensive, and you do have to make everything out of a commercial kitchen, but the…[Read more]