Regulations on Powders/Pepper Flakes

Hi All,

I was at a farmer's market this past weekend and there was a vendor selling both powders and pepper flakes. I bought a few items (haven't tried any yet) but then I starting thinking about if this guy had to go through any regulations to sell the products I bought.

Anyone know if there are rules/regulations on selling powders/pepper flakes? I just hope this guy runs a sanitary operation!
 
It varies from one state to the next, and some cities may have additional regs, depending. But the state gov websites should be a good starting point.
 
If it's a fully organized FM, it might be easiest to just ask them what's required and what licenses their vendors have. They should know and have all that on file. Or, if you are at the market to ask the market master what's required, then just ask the vendor. If they don't know what's required, that's a caution flag. If they can definitely answer their product is exempt for inspections etc...then they at least seem like a vendor who is concientious enough to at least find out what's required for their product.

Most states ( and sometimes counties, depending on the locale ) have provisions for what they call "low risk items" or "cottage industry items" such as jams, jellies, baked goods, fruit pies and sometimes dried products. Depending on your FM regs and state regs, some of these can be made in the home with state licensing and inspections. Some don't need any regulations or inspections.

If your FM isn't well regulated by the market master or administrator to make sure the vendors are properly licensed, then it's a "who knows" scenario for how the vendor did the work.


edit- did the products have any kind of labeling on them? Contact information?
 
in Virginia drying is equated to processing so must be done in an inspected facilty... this is about to change however in regard to items such as herbs. the bill just passed a week ago so i haven't researched how it impacts peppers, tomatoes, etc as of yet.
 
i believe dried peppers and tomatoes would fall under the dried seasonings or dried mixtures section of the bill. tomatoes would fall under the dried fruits section; afterall, they are berries :D
 
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