Navigating through the legal maze of starting a home food production business can seem daunting. To support entrepreneurs in this venture, the present article endeavors to clarify the TN cottage food laws 2022. We hope to provide a comprehensive guide on Tennessee’s cottage food laws, demystifying regulations, helping home food producers set up and operate their business lawfully and profitably.
Tennessee, like many other states, has adopted Cottage Food Laws to ensure that residents can start small food businesses from their homes. These laws are designed to foster a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs while safeguarding the health and safety of consumers.
The TN cottage food laws of 2022 prioritize standards for safe food handling and production practices. They delineate the types of foods that can be prepared and sold from home, the necessary legal and labeling requirements, and the sales venues at which goods may be marketed.
Under the 2022 revision, Tennessee’s cottage food laws permit a wide range of “non-potentially hazardous” foods to be prepared in a residential kitchen. These include baked goods (bread, cookies, cakes), candies (fudge, truffles), dried fruit and pasta, jams and jellies, and spice blends, among others. Producers seeking a more comprehensive list can reach out to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Consumer and Industry Services, which oversees these regulations.
Investing in understanding the specific requirements of the TN cottage food laws of 2022 can prevent future legal troubles, ensuring that home food producers operate within the law. For instance, selling meat-based products or sauces and salsas produced at home does not comply with the current laws and can incur penalties.
One of the essential requirements under the revised TN cottage food laws is food labeling. Each product sold must have a label that includes the product name, producer’s name, and contact information, complete physical address, date of production, ingredient list, and allergen information. To emphasize the home-made nature of these products, each label should carry the statement: “Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.”
In 2022, Tennessee’s cottage food laws redefine the legitimate avenues for selling home-produced food items. These venues include local farmers’ markets, roadside stands, pick-your-own farms, and special events like fairs and carnivals. The convenience of online platforms or home deliveries is regrettably yet not included.
Sales limits under the TN cottage food laws 2022 stand at $60,000 annually. This ceiling encourages small-scale entrepreneurs while creating a turnover enough to support a scaling-up of operations if desired. It’s important to note that exceeding this limit will call for additional licensing and inspections. Moreover, home producers will also need to comply with county and city zoning laws.
Additionally, taxes should not be overlooked. Producers must collect sales tax on all their products, for which they need to register for a sales tax permit. Regular payment of these taxes is critical to maintain a standing legally, as failure to do so can result in penalties.
Bearing consumer’s safety paramount, knowledge of safe food handling and production practices is central to the TN cottage food laws of 2022. Aspiring food entrepreneurs can seek training through programs scheduled by the University of Tennessee Extension office or online courses, helping them understand what practices constitute safe food production.
To navigate through this legal landscape, starting and operating a home-based food production business requires awareness, patience, and dedication. Being well-acquainted with the TN cottage food laws 2022 will ensure a successful and hassle-free business experience. Remember, the goal of these laws is to protect consumers and help grow your business within a legal framework. Take the time to familiarize yourself with these details, and you will be well on your road to sustainable success in the home food production industry.