Trey

Although cottage food operations cannot sell items that require refrigeration, I believe that almost any gluten item that would be allowed under the law would also be allowed if produced gluten-free. Gluten-free items may not have as long of a shelf life and refrigerating them may help preserve them, but they probably wouldn’t become potentially…[Read more]

I’d recommend a sole-proprietorship. Please see here: http://forrager.com/groups/california/forum/topic/can-you-expand-answer-on-llc/

Yes, that’s correct. Generally, starting a cottage food operation is the cheapest way possible for you to start a food business legally. In terms of the last question, you might want to check out the book “Cooking Up A Business”, by Rachel Hofstetter: http://bestmomproducts.com/top-3-foodie-entrepreneur-tips/
http://forrager.com/faq/#starting

In Georgia, it’s fine if you produce your own tea from dried herbs (you can dry them yourself), and it’s also okay if you start with commercial bulk tea as a base. If you’re just reselling commercial tea in smaller amounts (reselling individual unopened packets), you may not need to register as a cottage food operation. You can ask your ag dept if…[Read more]

Brownies are a non-potentially hazardous baked good and are allowed.

Diane, thanks for the heads up! I always like hearing from locals that have more accurate information. Could you be more specific about what is wrong with the Georgia page?

Erin, as you deduced, this would be classified as an indirect sale. I understand your desire to support the business, but the intention of the law is that the end-consumer would meet the producer. I’d imagine that this wouldn’t be the case with your gift boxes. Best of luck!