You can lead cooking instruction in your home, or have someone videotape you and you can sell the videos as part of a home-learning course. After that, you need to explain how the customer can get the food. Some states allow home cooks to sell their products in restaurants and grocery stores or online; others limit sales to direct consumer transactions within the state. Indirect Sales (e.g., restaurants, retail, wholesale) are allowed in … Setting up a food business from home – what you need to know You have a great recipe and stellar testimonials from your family and friends – what next? With a “Class B” CFO license you can sell directly to consumers as well as indirectly through third parties such as restaurants, retail stores and more. You cannot sell or ship Cottage Food … In the US, retailers who sell food from home are required to adhere to Cottage Food Regulations. You cannot sell prepared foods from your home without having the appropriate permits. Many food items fall within the acceptable parameters. If you’re a home-based food business, you need to meet the same food safety requirements as other food businesses—regardless of the size of your business or how often you sell food. People who manufacture food at home can only sell low-risk foods such as coffee and tea blends, dry foods such as granola, chips and popcorn, baked goods such as breads, cookies and some cakes, and jams and preserves. 5 Important Licenses You May Need to Sell Food from your Home To begin selling food from your home in the United States, you have to first of all register your business. All states except New Jersey and Hawaii have cottage food laws which allow producers to cook low-risk foods like pie, bread and jam at home and sell to individual consumers. Know the General Laws Around Selling Food. Am I a home-based food business? Although Virginia requires the majority of food service businesses to prepare food in inspected commercial kitchen facilities, exceptions to the law exist that allow some state residents to prepare food for sale at home. You’ll also be asked to clarify the quantity and price available. Honey, produce, canned goods and baked goods do well in these venues. A number of states limit the sales of home processed foods to farmers markets, bake sales and charity events. This is your chance to really sell it! If you will be selling in bulk to local businesses, you will need to approach them with samples of your food and encourage them to order from you. Another option is to create your own cooking show posted on YouTube, which can pay you advertising income. These laws apply to baked goods, jams and jellies, dry mixes, popcorn, and nuts, and allow you to sell at farmer’s markets and other local events alongside your online operation. Until very recently, almost all production of food in the home for sale to the public was strictly forbidden. Home-based food businesses use their home (or someone else’s) to handle food for sale. Another option is to sell at local craft shows and farmers markets. In fact, some states prohibit the sale of home canned foods altogether. Cottage food laws are the regulations that states use to control the production and sale of foods in home kitchens. And usually, while you may have a website to promote your products, you may not sell online or across state lines. Keep in mind that the Cottage Food Bill only grants you the right to operate in your home state. Many states require that the business name and type – either a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC or corporation – be registered with the secretary of state’s office.