In the great state of Michigan, various home cooks have considered turning their passion for cooking into a thriving business. If you are one of these individuals and you’re thinking of selling your homemade food, one of your first steps should be to obtain the necessary permit to sell food from home in Michigan. Understanding the essentials of obtaining this permit isn’t complex, but it does require a keen eye for detail and thorough knowledge about the state’s food laws.
The permit to sell food from home in Michigan is legally required for individuals or businesses that want to commercially sell food products, directly from their homes. This permit is essential in maintaining high safety standards and ensuring the health and well-being of consumers. Let’s delve deep into understanding the essentials of getting this permit.
Getting your permit to sell food from home in Michigan begins with an understanding of the Cottage Food Laws. These are laws that allow individuals to manufacture particular types of food from their home kitchen. The Cottage Food Law in Michigan shows that people can sell their homemade food products directly to customers, as long as they earn not more than $25,000 yearly.
Here are some specific foods that fall under the Cottage Food Laws category: Jams, jellies, baked goods, vinegar, and dried herbs. Foods that are not allowed under these laws are meats, dairy products, canned fruits, vegetables, or pickles, among others. It’s essential to review the entire list of approved, as well as unapproved, items before beginning any operation.
After understanding the specific food types you can manufacture, the next step in getting a permit to sell food from home in Michigan is to get your home kitchen inspected. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is in charge of the inspection process. To pass this inspection, ensure your kitchen is not only clean but also organized in a manner that prevents cross-contamination.
Knowing how to properly label your food products you plan on selling is a crucial step in the process as well. Labeling should include the name of the product, the ingredients listed in descending order by weight, allergen labeling as specified by federal law, your name, and the home address where you have the authorized permit to sell food from home in Michigan.
Adding a statement like “Made in a home kitchen, not inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development” is also a requirement by Michigan law. This statement lets consumers understand that while you have the necessary permit, your kitchen does not undergo routine inspections by MDARD.
Once you are ready to apply for the permit to sell food from home, you can submit your application to the MDARD. Generally, processing the application can take around 30 days; however, it could extend depending on the number of applications they are handling. It is essential to attach your payment of the application fee when you submit your application.
The Michigan Food Law requires that persons intending to sell food from home take a safe food handling course. Ensuring that you comply with this component of the process shows that you understand the essential aspects of safe food preparation and handling. To further demonstrate your compliance with Michigan laws, having a ServSafe certification is beneficial.
In conclusion, obtaining a permit to sell food from home in Michigan streamlines the process of starting your home-based food venture. As essential as the permit is, it is equally important to strive to consistently meet the food safety standards the permit requires. This not only maintains the license but also helps protect the health of your customers.
You have now taken the first step in understanding the essentials of obtaining a permit to sell food from home in Michigan. We encourage you to continue researching and discuss with experts or peers who have done it before. Remember that diving into the world of selling food from home is a great business venture but also a responsibility towards safe and healthy food for your community.