Can I sell food from my home in Washington

Posted by Damian Roberti on

Can I sell food from my home in Washington

In 2013, following the adoption of the "Cottage Food Amendment Act of 2013," the District of Columbia began permitting residents to sell food that they had prepared themselves (B20-0168).

Because of the many new regulations that were introduced by the health department in 2017 (DCMR Title 25-K), beginning a cottage food enterprise is now a very challenging and expensive endeavor.

The law had two substantial revisions that brought about considerable improvements in the year 2020. Because of the "Cottage Food Expansion Amendment Act of 2019" (B23-0192), all direct sales were legalized in March 2020. Additionally, the sales restriction was eliminated, and the inspection standards were modified. After that, in July of 2020, the "Healthcare Reporting Amendment Act of 2019" (B23-0269) legalized sales both in stores and over the internet.

 

 

Can I sell food from my home in Washington



The sale of most sorts of non-perishable foods prepared at home by cottage food businesses is now legal in the DC area at practically any location, including retail storefronts and internet sales.

Cottage food producers are required to obtain a home occupation permission, register with the local health authority, and complete a training for food safety managers before starting their own food business.

Listing of Contents (Table of) Restrictions on the Kinds of Foods That Can Be Sold Business Labeling Workplace Resources Forum\sSelling Where can you sell the food that you've cooked at home?
Authorized Locations
Events Farmers' ' markets Online Retail shops outdoor stalls and markets
Services That Are Allowed
Delivery Home Pickup
At events, you are required to exhibit the Certificate of Registration for Your Cottage Food Business. Before the year 2020, purchases could only be made at farmer's markets and other publicly held events.
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT STARTING A COUNTRY STORE?




Foods That Are Allowed What kinds of edible items can you sell from the comfort of your own home? Bread Bagels Bis\sbread Brownies Cake s Cake pops Cakes Cookies Cupcakes Donuts Muffins Pizzell Sweet bread nes Sweet bread Wedding s Waffles Cakes for weddings Candy Ndies made of Brit Cotton Chocolate Cotton candy Fudge Truffles Dry nts Contexts Honey-Syrup
Arabica Coffee Beans Dried goods Cereals Noodles made from pasta Spices and spices Spices and seasonings Tea and pasta Noodles and tea
Pastries and other items Churros Cones
As well as Other Types of Pastries,
Other types of Tamales Preserv
Caramel corn confections enrobed in chocolate The snack foods crackers and pretzels Fruit tanned in leather Granola Corn on the cob Kernels and nut foods Popcorn
Foods That Are Not Allowed
cooked items that expire quickly Foods that are acidic ibited Foods that are Low in Acid that are Canned Fruit hable baked goods Foods that are acidic Low-ac Meat jerkies Pet chow and treats

 

 

Can I sell food from my home in Washington


There is a good chance that there are even more foods that are off limits, but the ones listed above have been verified.
Donuts that are intended for sale must lack fillings of any kind. If you want to sell honey, you are required to comply with the "Sustainable Urban Agriculture Apiculture Act of 2012" and provide proof that you registered with the District's Department of Energy and Environment in accordance with Subtitle B of the Act, which is titled "Promoting Urban Agriculture through Beekeeping." Only then will you be able to sell honey.

 

 

 

 

If you want to manufacture a product that is not on the list of permitted foods, you have the option of requesting that the health department examine both the product and the recipe in order to decide whether or not they will permit it. In order to accomplish this, you are need to submit your product(s) to testing at a facility that has been authorized. It is required that all foods be "non-potentially hazardous," yet there are some non-PHFs that may not be permitted. The majority of foods that do not require refrigeration (items that do not contain meat, dairy, etc.) are not thought to pose any significant health risks. Find out more.

 

 

 

Can I sell food from my home in Washington


Limitations How will your home food company ensure that youngsters are not exposed to any hazards, potentially? It is against the rules to use commercial equipment. Kitchens used for commercial purposes are not allowed. Only retails via direct contact. Employees limited in their freedoms It is illegal to make sales over state lines. Typical activities at home Pets only allowed in this area. Primary residence Sales limit There are limitations on smoking.
It's possible that there are further restrictions, but the ones listed above have been verified.


There is no cap on the number of sales.

Prior to the year 2020, the annual sales quota was capped at $25,000.

business What steps are required to start a food business from your own home?

Can I sell food from my home in Washington


Registration of Businesses Serving Cottage Food:

Before you can begin selling any products, you are required to register your company with the local health department.

The registration fee is $50, and it is good for a period of two years.

In order to register, you will need to send the health department an application that has been completely filled out.

Can I sell food from my home in Washington



Permission to Carry Out Activities Within One's Home

In order to legally do business from your home, you are required to obtain a permit from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).



Training for Managers Responsible for Food Safety

You are required to complete a food manager training course that has been approved, such as the Food Manager Training & Certification offered by Learn2Serve, which costs $69.

Your certification in food safety is good for a period of three years.

Take note that a beginner's course in food safety is insufficient to meet the requirements.

Can I sell food from my home in Washington



The identification card for Certified Food Protection Managers

After successfully completing the program for food safety managers and passing the accompanying exam, you will be required to submit an application for a Certified Food Protection Manager ID card, which will cost you $35.

Your identification card has a lifespan of three years.



List of Products, Along with Some Sample Labels

You are required to provide the health department with a list of all of the products that you want to sell when you register your business.

In addition to that, you are need to send in a sample label for each of your products.

Your recipes could be requested by the health department, but they are not obligated to do so under any circumstances.

Can I sell food from my home in Washington

Can I sell food from my home in Washington



Examination of the Home

After your business has been registered and given approval, the health department may choose to conduct an inspection of your house and kitchen, but they are not obligated to do so.

Scale Calibration & Registration

Your scale needs to be registered with the Office of Weights and Measures in order for you to be able to sell things based on their weight.

Examination of Products



In order to have the health department examine your product, you will need to have it evaluated in a laboratory that is accredited by the state for both its pH level and its water activity.

How should items involving cottage food be labelled?
Please label and evaluate your product.
Number corresponding to the Ingredients Net quantity Product tested in the sample label cookie lab for Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sample Label

""Produced by a cottage food business that is not required to comply with the food safety requirements of the District of Columbia." (10-point kind)

Permit number: 52417

Can I sell food from my home in Washington


enriched flour (made with wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid), butter (made with cream and salt), semi-sweet chocolate (made with sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, milkfat, soy lecithin, and natural flavors), brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract (made with vanilla bean extract, alcohol, and sugar), baking soda, and salt (salt, calcium silicate)
There is an abundance of milk, eggs, wheat, and soyNET WT in this product.
1 pound, 4 ounces in weight (1.02 kg)




On the label, you are required to write down the identification number of your cottage food business.

You are not allowed to ship your products in containers with lower oxygen levels, such as those sealed with a vacuum.

Can I sell food from my home in Washington



Are there any necessities necessary for a home kitchen?
You are required to keep the ingredients for your business in a location that is separate from those used for personal or family consumption.

Can I sell food from my home in Washington