Wendy Reinoehl

Maple syrup isn’t specifically mentioned in VA’s cottage food law, so I’m not sure if you’re exempt from inspection, though you may be. You can sell your maple syrup as a home food processing operation, but that requires an inspection. You should contact the ag dept about this.

Yes, if you’re using a licensed commercial kitchen and have the proper license from the ag dept, you can sell online. http://forrager.com/faq/#commercial

Most states do not allow hot sauces, but it depends on your state.

Although it may be common for New Yorkers to sell homemade food on Etsy, it is nevertheless illegal. Also, cordials wouldn’t be allowed under the cottage food law for in-person sales. You will need to use a commercial kitchen to produce the cordials. http://forrager.com/faq/#commercial

I don’t know the laws about making cologne, but I know that they would be separate from the cottage food law. I recommend you contact the health dept about this.

I don’t think you’ll find a resource specific to salsa, but generally, the requirements are going to be greater if you rent a kitchen. You should contact the ag dept for specific info about the business you want to start. I’d expect that you’ll have to take a course with a Better Process Control School.

I don’t know of any caveats. Actually it sounds like you’re exactly on the right track and doing everything you need to do! Good luck!

Betsy, the vinegar wouldn’t be a problem, but I am almost sure that your health dept won’t allow a mustard containing egg. In that case, I don’t think tests are going to help you. If you want to sell a mustard without egg, then you probably won’t need to get it lab tested.

I think you need to get a business license from your county or town. The process for getting one would probably be different for each area. You can set yourself up as a sole-proprietorship, and you’d need to get a DBA (doing business as) if you want to operate under a fictitious name (not your personal name).