Starting a home baked goods home-based business? Legalities and registration?
I’m wanting to start a home-based bakery business that will do orders of bulk, small (30?) to large (100+) bulks of cookies of different types and other things; eg. cream puffs, pies, cakes, etc. How would I go about making this legal? It would probably be all solo, so I can handle the finances, numbers and adverts, but if, somehow, somebody gets food sick or something along those lines, and with tax laws, how and where would I get this set up?
Thanks ahead of time!
I’ve looked into this myself (I looove baking and sell my stuff at work). It depends on what state you are in. In California, I found that the only way you can make your foods at home is if you have a "certified kitchen". It is difficult to have one of these for pets, children, etc. cannot be able to access it. You have to have hooded fans and specific ovens. Basically, you can’t legally do it from home. There are certified kitchens for rent hourly though. As for the business name and business certificate (the right to do business) you can find all the documents on the county website or through general searches online. You mail them in, sometimes with a fee, and you’re off! It’s a tedious task to get started, but would be worth it if you enjoy it 
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This is now being pursued by the Sustainable Economies Law Center.
See http://www.theselc.org/cottage-food-laws/ and sign the petition here: http://www.change.org/petitions/california-state-legislature-enact-a-cottage-food-law-in-california
1Hello Bakers, you will both be glad to hear that the State of California is petitioning for a “cottage” law that will allow you to bake from home for profit. Here is the link if you would like to chime in and sign the petition. I have been working with home-based bakers and small food processors for years providing information, support and online classes for new start-ups. Please support the home-based baking effort in California and visit:
http://www.petitiononline.com/CAHBLP/petition.html
Good luck to both of you! ~Denay
2.-= Denay´s last blog ..NC Got to Be – Food Expo in Raleigh, North Carolina =-.
I’ve looked into this myself (I looove baking and sell my stuff at work). It depends on what state you are in. In California, I found that the only way you can make your foods at home is if you have a "certified kitchen". It is difficult to have one of these for pets, children, etc. cannot be able to access it. You have to have hooded fans and specific ovens. Basically, you can’t legally do it from home. There are certified kitchens for rent hourly though. As for the business name and business certificate (the right to do business) you can find all the documents on the county website or through general searches online. You mail them in, sometimes with a fee, and you’re off! It’s a tedious task to get started, but would be worth it if you enjoy it
3References :