Michigan offers various opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in food selling, whether you’re cooking from home or running a small food stand. However, understanding the state’s cottage food laws, permits, and regulations is crucial to starting a successful food business. Here’s a guide to help you navigate food selling regulations in Michigan, including details on resellers permits, food licenses, and where to find home cooked food near me.
1. Do You Need a Permit to Sell Food in Michigan?
Michigan’s Cottage Food Law allows small-scale food producers to sell certain non-perishable foods without needing a commercial kitchen or a food license. This law covers low-risk foods like:
- Baked goods (bread, cookies, cakes)
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Dry mixes (spices, teas, coffee)
- Candy and confections
These foods are considered safe to sell from your home as long as they don’t require refrigeration. Products must be sold directly to consumers, meaning sales through grocery stores or restaurants are not allowed. Items must be clearly labeled, and you must include a statement indicating that the product was made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).
2. Resellers Permit in Michigan
If you plan to sell food that isn’t covered by Michigan’s Cottage Food Law, you will need a resellers permit. This is also necessary if you plan to purchase food products wholesale and resell them. To get a resellers permit in Michigan, you must apply through the Michigan Department of Treasury and register your business for a sales tax license.
The permit allows you to buy goods without paying sales tax, as you’ll collect the sales tax from your customers. It’s important to ensure your business is properly registered and licensed, as failing to do so could result in fines or other penalties.
3. Michigan Food License Search
For businesses that need a Michigan food license, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) manages the licensing process. You can perform a Michigan food license search on the MDARD website to check if a business is licensed or find the requirements for different types of food licenses, whether you’re selling from a storefront, food truck, or through catering.
Licensing ensures that your food business complies with health and safety standards, especially for high-risk foods like meats, dairy, and items that require refrigeration.
4. Selling Home Cooked Food Near Me in Michigan
For those looking to start a home-based business selling home cooked food near me, Michigan’s Cottage Food Law allows the sale of home-prepared food, but there are important regulations to follow:
- Only direct sales are allowed (farmers markets, roadside stands, etc.)
- No online or wholesale sales are permitted
- You cannot sell potentially hazardous foods that require temperature control
While home cooked food near me is a popular search in local markets, it’s essential to understand that certain foods cannot be sold without a commercial kitchen license.
5. Steps to Start a Food Business in Michigan
A. Determine What You Will Sell
Identify whether your products fall under the Cottage Food Law or if you need a Michigan food license. For low-risk foods like baked goods and jams, the Cottage Food Law is ideal.
B. Obtain the Right Permits
If you’re selling food that requires refrigeration or you’re reselling goods, you’ll need a resellers permit and a food license. Search for your business type on the MDARD’s Michigan food license search page to understand specific requirements.
C. Comply with Labeling Rules
If operating under the Cottage Food Law, be sure to follow strict labeling rules that include ingredient lists, allergen information, and a disclaimer about your home kitchen.
6. The Michigan Food Market
Michigan is known for its rich agricultural diversity, making it a great place to sell locally sourced foods like cherries, apples, and maple syrup. Leveraging these local ingredients can give your products an authentic food Michigan appeal that resonates with customers looking for fresh, regional flavors.
*Disclaimer: This article or any content hereof is not a substitute for professional legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor is it a solicitation to offer legal advice.