Mom Entrepreneurs - Selling Food Items

Check with the local health dept, if they can't help, they may be able to direct you to who can. Also see if there is a SBA, small business adminstration, that works with SCORE, or google SCORE. They work with small businesses and can help with information on business develompnet, legal info, etc. Good luck.

In most states, home kitchens are not usually considered appropriate for processing purposes. In most states, you have to have a commercial grade kitchen, and pass all mandatory health inspections. You might need to have a business license from your state, and a tax number. I'm fairly certain in most states batch testings of your food, to test for safety is required. The labels and packaging must meet state and federal food requirements.

I have a friend who sold fudge and candy (she got ill and had to quit.) She actually hired a business planner and lawyer, to help her through all the steps. It took her a couple of years to make a profit. There are a lot of people who sell on a small scale...like to churches or small craft sales...and in SOME states, there are legal ways to do that without a commercial kitchen. However, the vast majority of people are selling their food illegally. If someone were to get sick or die from contamination, or other food borne illnesses (houses have germy kids, pets, and bacterias commercial kitchens don't)...they'd likely be taken for all their worth. I would check with the US Department of Agriculture and see what regulations they might have. Check with your local business and food safety laws, to start.

I have not, but a friend has. See her web site - YourSpiceOfLife.com. She's been in business for 3 years, so she must be making a profit! Contact Laura Griffin, and ask her your questions. I know she's love to help you out with your questions! Tell her K. Johnson gave you her info.

Good luck!