Nigel said:
There is a new law that allows people who want to start a business to produce foods for human consumption in their own kitchen. So far 30 states have enacted similar laws.
Basically, you pay a small fee ($100 or so) and then your kitchen has to be inspected.
http://agr.georgia.gov/cottage-foods.aspx
http://www.ncagr.gov/fooddrug/food/homebiz.htm
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Making-a-difference/Change-Agent/2012/0928/New-California-law-kickstarts-home-based-food-businesses
The Cottage Food License allows Cottage Food Operators to produce non-potentially hazardous foods in their home kitchens for sale to the end consumer. These foods include:
- Loaf Breads, Rolls, and Biscuits;
- Cakes;
- Pastries and Cookies;
- Candies and Confections;
- Fruit Pies;
- Jams, Jellies, and Preserves;
- Dried Fruits;
- Dry Herbs, Seasonings and Mixtures;
- Cereals, Trail Mixes, and Granola;
- Coated or Uncoated Nuts;
- Vinegar and Flavored Vinegars; and
- Popcorn, Popcorn Balls, and Cotton Candy.
1. These laws (the 4-5 iterations I've seen) do not apply to shelf stable acidified foods (e.g. hot sauce). I realize this topic is about dried pods, but the new VA law that's been recently discussed on the Business forum at length and there's specific language (a list) there of what can and cannot be processed at home. Since hobby sauces were brought up it was worth mentioning.
2. Your home kitchen would still require inspection, and all safe food handling and manufacturing processes/practices would still be applicable. Lot ID, recall procedure, product registration, etc.
Cottage laws are great - but all they mean is that you don't need to rent/build a kitchen. Like disclaimers, they're not a substitute for food handling laws.