Understanding the Essentials of Cottage Food Laws in Kansas for Home-Based Food Businesses
The cottage food industry is rapidly growing across America, and Kansas is no exception. Home-based food businesses are a productive way for food enthusiasts to share their unique recipes while creating an additional income stream. That being said, it is essential to understand Kansas cottage food laws to ensure your business is within regulations and protected.
Kansas cottage food laws are policies and regulations that govern the production, sales, and handling of cottage foods. Cottage foods are typically low-risk food products prepared in residential kitchens for direct sales to consumers. Examples include baked goods, jams, jellies, dry herbs, and popcorn. Understanding these laws are vital for aspiring home-based food business owners looking to specialize in cottage foods.
Getting Started: Food Safety Training
The first requirement for home food entrepreneurs in Kansas is to complete a food safety training course. The Kansas Department of Agriculture offers this educational training geared to familiarize you with critical food safety and handling measures. This step is essential as it protects your customers’ wellbeing and your business’s reputation.
The Types of Food You Can Sell
Kansas cottage food law stipulates which types of foods are allowable for production and sale from home kitchens. These are typically non-potentially hazardous foods, which means they do not require refrigeration for safety and pose a lesser risk of causing foodborne illnesses. Examples include baked goods without cream fillings, candy, fruit pies and jams, dried mixes, popcorn, and cereal.
Licensing
One of the appealing aspects of owning a cottage food business in Kansas is the absence of a requirement for a business license or permit. This affordability makes starting such a venture an attractive option for aspiring entrepreneurs. However, although there is no need for a license, vendors should be upfront about their processing methods and explicitly state that food is not prepared in a kitchen subjected to routine inspections.
Food Labelling Requirements
Although Kansas cottage food law does not mandate food businesses to operate under a license or permit, there are strict rules in place concerning food labeling. All products sold must bear labels containing the following information:
– Product name
– Name and address of the cottage food production operation
– A statement that the food is not inspected by the Kansas Department of Agriculture
– All ingredients used in the product, listed in descending order of predominance by weight.
Sales and Revenue Limit
Unlike some states, Kansas does not impose an annual gross sales limit for home-based food businesses. You can sell as much as you want as long as you abide by all the state’s cottage food laws.
Where You Can Sell
Knowing where you can sell your products is as important as knowing what you can sell. In Kansas, cottage foods can be sold from private homes, at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and public events. There is, however, one major limitation. Kansas cottage food producers cannot sell their products online or ship them through mail-order.
Product Sampling
Kansas cottage food law permits product sampling as long as it follows essential food safety practices. These practices include washing hands before handling food, using disposable gloves and utensils, keeping samples in sanitary conditions, and providing samples individually for each customer.
In conclusion, Kansas cottage food laws create an affordable and accessible pathway to entrepreneurship for those with a passion for food and a desire to establish a home-based food business. It’s a pathway filled with opportunities, with the only significant restrictions being on the types of foods you may produce and where you can sell them.
However, these regulations are updated from time to time. Therefore, for any current or aspiring home-based food business owners, it is advisable to stay in touch with your local health department or the Kansas Department of Agriculture for recent updated information. This way, you’ll maintain the perfect balance of keeping your passion profitable while abiding by all necessary rules and regulations.