How to cook up a cottage food business

Recent changes to the Texas Cottage Food Law mean that more foods can be prepared and sold from a residential kitchen.  “The previous law limited the foods that could be sold to mainly baked goods, jams and jellies, and dried herbs”, says Pamela Lincoln, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent for Cass County.  Under the amended law, which took effect Sept. 1, the list of foods that can be sold has been expanded to include pickles, popcorn snacks, candy, unroasted nut butters, and vinegar.  In addition, these foods can be sold at venues outside the home including farmers markets, roadside stands, and fairs.  All foods sold must be properly labeled and include the name and address of the operation, the name of the product, possible allergens that are in the food, and a statement saying the food was not prepared in a kitchen that is inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department.
The amended law also requires that anyone who operates a cottage food business have a food handler’s card by Jan. 1, 2014.  Individuals interested in receiving their food handlers card can do so by attending a food handler’s program.  You can complete your food handler’s card online at foodsafetyonline.tamu.edu.
For more information about the Cottage Food Law, contact Pamela Lincoln at the Cass County Extension office at 903-756-5391.