If you’re a home-based food entrepreneur in South Carolina, it’s essential to understand the SC Cottage Food Law, SC Code 44-1-143. Becoming compliant with this law is the first step to legitimizing your business, avoiding fines, and being allowed to sell your products. In this article, we’ll explore the SC Cottage Food Law, SC Code 44-1-143, in detail.
The SC Cottage Food Law, codified as SC Code 44-1-143, was enacted to regulate the operations of home-based food businesses. This legislation aims to protect the safety and health of consumers by setting guidelines for the production, packaging, and sale of cottage foods.
What are Cottage Foods?
“Cottage food” refers to foodstuffs prepared in a home kitchen. This term typically includes baked goods, jams, jellies, candies, and other non-perishable items. The SC Cottage Food Law SC Code 44-1-143 outlines specific restrictions on the types of foods that can be prepared and sold from a home kitchen. Thus, having a clear knowledge of what is considered as “cottage food” is requisite.
Becoming a Cottage Food Operator
To become a cottage food operator in South Carolina, you need to follow several steps. The SC Cottage Food law SC Code 44-1-143 requires that your kitchen passes an inspection by the Department of Health and Environmental Control. This inspection is to ensure your kitchen meets the state’s established food safety standards. Once an inspection certificate is issued, you are legally recognized as a cottage food operator.
Training and Labeling
The SC Cottage Food Law SC Code 44-1-143 also requires the completion of a food safety course certified by the Department of Health and Environmental Control. The certificate from this course must be posted conspicuously in your home kitchen.
Furthermore, all products sold under this law should be properly labeled. Labels must provide specific details, including name and address of the cottage food operation, name of the food product, ingredients in descending order of predominance, and a conspicuous declaration printed in all capitals “NOT INSPECTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.” The date of production should also be included on the label.
Limitations on Selling Locations
The law also specifies where cottage foods can be sold. They are restricted primarily to direct sales from the operator to the end consumer. This includes sales from homes, online sales followed by direct delivery, roadside stands, farmer’s markets, and community events.
Income Limitations
The SC cottage food law SC Code 44-1-143 sets an annual gross sales limit for cottage food operations. Currently, the income cap is set at $15,000. If the operation exceeds this limit, the food business is no longer considered a cottage food operation and should comply with the other food regulations in South Carolina.
Prohibited Foods
Some types of food are not allowed under the SC Cottage Food Law. These include any potentially hazardous food, raw shell eggs, home-canned vegetables, flavored oils, garlic in oil mixtures, cream pies, custard pies, cream-filled pastries, cheesecakes, and pumpkin pies.
In conclusion, the SC Cottage Food Law SC Code 44-1-143 is designed to uphold food safety standards while supporting budding food entrepreneurs. So, understand the law, take the necessary steps, and kick start your home-based food business with the right foot. Compliance not only ensures the health and safety of customers but also the credibility and longevity of your business.