Cooking Up a Cottage Food Business

Recent changes to the Texas Cottage Food Law mean that more foods can be prepared and sold from a residential kitchen.  The previous law limited the foods that could be sold to mainly baked goods, jams and jellies, and dried herbs.  Under the amended law, which took effect September 1^st, the list of foods that can be sold has been expanded to include pickles, popcorn snacks, candy, unroasted nut butters, and vinegar.   In addition, these foods can be sold at venues outside the home including farmers markets, roadside stands, and fairs.  All foods sold must be properly labeled and include the name and address of the operation, the name of the product, possible allergens that are in the food, and a statement saying the food was not prepared in a kitchen that is inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department.

The amended law also requires that anyone who operates a cottage food business have a food handler’s card.  Individuals interested in receiving their food handler card can do so by attending the next food handler’s program scheduled on Thursday, February 20 from 2:30- 4:30 pm at the Wise County Extension Office located at 206 S. State Street in Decatur.   

For more information about the Cottage Food Law and to register for the food handler class, contact the Extension office at 940/627-3341. Space for the class is limited.