To sell bakery items, you must adhere to cottage food laws. This guide will help entrepreneurs understand the cottage law and food handling laws required for selling baked goods.
What Is Cottage Law Bakery?
A cottage law bakery is a food business that is regulated by cottage food laws. These laws vary from state to state, but they generally allow home-based businesses to sell certain food products.
To sell bakery items under cottage food laws, you must follow the guidelines set forth by your state, which may include:
- Register your bakery with the correct department that oversees Cottage Food Laws and enforces them
- Obtaining a food handler’s license by taking a food safety course
- Following food safety guidelines by storing food properly and using clean utensils
Cottage food laws are established at the state level. Each state has different cottage food laws, so it is essential to check with your state’s cottage food authority to ensure that you follow the correct guidelines.
How To Adhere to Cottage Food Laws
In many cases, you’ll need to take a class and pass an exam. After registering your cottage food business and obtaining a food handler’s license, you’ll also need to secure the necessary bakery business licenses and permits. Following this, you’ll need to adhere to food safety guidelines designed to protect consumers from foodborne illnesses. Your staff will need to be trained in food safety, and you’ll need to have proper handling procedures in place.
The state and regulation department might audit your goods and facilities from time to time, so keeping your cottage food business in compliance with the law is important.
Sell Your Baked Goods
Following cottage food laws allows you to sell bakery items from your home-based business. These laws vary from state to state, so check with your local authorities to ensure that you comply. Adhering to these laws, you can provide safe and delicious baked goods to your community.