Cottage food is homemade food that has been sold in foodmarts and all. These food products are prepared at home. So it is a type of business. But if you are thinking about starting your cottage food business then you should be aware of the laws. Here we will discuss how to get around cottage food laws. Because in some areas the cottage food laws are very complex.
So before diving into this business, it is essential to understand the laws. This will save you time and money in the future. Also, you will be aware of all the legal terms related to your business.
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How To Get Around Cottage Food Laws Without An Attorney?
It is very expensive to hire an elder law attorney for your business these days. However, if you are hiring an attorney then they will manage all the paperwork for you. But if you do not want to add that expense to your business then you have to understand these laws by yourself. We are here to help you with cottage food laws. And we will explain the points of food cottage law one by one here.
The food cottage laws are just to ensure that you are preparing the food with proper hygiene and the food will not affect the health of any consumer. Hence based on consumer safety these laws are decided by the government.
1. The Law About Hazardous Foods
Hazardous foods are those foods that require proper care. If you are not providing a specific storage condition then the food will be damaged. And If the raw material is damaged then you can not use that to prepare food. The foods included in this category are:
- Raw meat
- Dairy products
- Seafood
- Processed foods like chooped vegetables and all
- Food containing egg
- And cooked rice, boiled pasta, and all
You have to show the proof of equipment that you are using to store these products only then you can start preparing food from these raw materials.
2. No Pet Law
If you want to start a cottage food business then you should not have a pet. There is no pet law in the cottage law. And this law is the same in every state. Because there are high chance that the pet might contaminate the food. So for the safety of the consumer, no pet law is very important and must followed by the business owner.
3. Food Safety Course
If you want to start your food cottage business then you have to attend a class on food safety. And after you will complete your class then you receive a certificate and this certificate is a must to submit to start your business. This will ensure that you know how you can store different types of foods at home. This class is not more than 2 hours.
4. Complete The Inspection Process
When you submit your application, a food inspector will be appointed for you and they will come and inspect your kitchen. Make sure that you keep everything clean and tidy in your kitchen. Your kitchen should be equipped with every instrument and machine required to keep the food safe. After completing your food inspection, the cottage food license will be provided to you. Here are all the details about How to get around cottage food laws.
Foods That Do Not Fall Under The Cottage Food Laws
There are a few food items that do not fall under the cottage food law. So you can sell these items without getting any license.
These foods include:-
- Popcorn
- coffee
For your use, you have to store the coffee in a cool and dry place. Otherwise, It will stick. However, food cottage law does not demand any law on how you are storing your coffee and all. Other drink preparation should be followed according to the cottage food law.
Conclusion
Here we have described how to get around cottage food laws. Once you know these laws only then you can follow them. And we have explained these laws in detail. Remember that every state policy is different. So might see some change in the food cottage law in other states. These are all the general laws for food cottage businesses.
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