Cottage food is food made in home kitchens to be sold to customers. Common cottage foods are jams, baked goods without dairy or meat, granola, candies, nuts, dried fruits, and acidic canned goods like pickled vegetables or fruit preserves. Cottage food laws allow small-scale entrepreneurs to sell certain non-hazardous foods made in home kitchens without the overhead costs of a commercial kitchen.
Requirements and Risks
Requirements vary but may include food handler training, permitting, labeling standards, and allowable ingredients. Key aspects of cottage food laws include direct to consumer sales, food type restrictions, and production volume caps. Understanding exact requirements in your state is essential as violation risks product seizure, fines, or criminal charges. While rewarding, launching a compliant cottage food business demands research and planning.
Debate and Food Safety
Cottage food laws enable small businesses. Still, safety and consumer protection are debated. Supporters assert existing regulations burden entrepreneurs and restrict competition and freedom. Opponents argue for food safety and illness prevention. A primer explains cottage food and its regulation.
What Is Allowed?
Cottage food kitchens differ from commercial kitchens. Cottage food risk levels determine allowed goods like breads and fruit tarts with no hazardous toppings. Fresh, popped, flavored, kettle corn and popcorn balls are permitted, not coated fruit. Whole bean or ground coffee meets labeling and storage rules but not ready-made drinks. Fudge and brittles also qualify in most states.
Cottage foods do not require refrigeration or heat to stay safe, like breads, jams, cereals, vinegars, popcorn and balls. Pickles, canned fruits and vegetables have measured pH and water activity. Date processed containers. Follow individual state laws on approved items.
Culinary Uses of Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese has versatile culinary uses beyond salads and diets. It adds protein to meals as an ingredient. Explore exciting options with this powerhouse staple.