Selling food products from home in Alabama – understanding cottage food laws.

In Alabama, the regulation and oversight of food safety standards, including cottage food laws, are handled by different regulatory bodies. Let’s explore each of these bodies and their roles:

1. Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH):
   The ADPH plays a significant role in ensuring food safety standards are upheld in Alabama. Its Food and Lodging Division is responsible for enforcing the Alabama Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which includes regulations pertaining to food safety. The division conducts inspections, provides guidance to food establishments, and takes necessary enforcement actions to ensure compliance.
2. County Health Departments:
   County Health Departments, operating under the ADPH, play a crucial role in enforcing food safety regulations at the local level. They conduct routine inspections of food establishments, issue permits, and provide guidance to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
3. Cottage Food Laws in Alabama:
   Cottage food laws allow individuals to produce certain types of food products in their home kitchens for sale to the public. In Alabama, cottage food operations are overseen by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI).
4. Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI):
   The ADAI regulates and licenses cottage food operations in the state. They provide guidance, define allowable food products, and set requirements for labeling, sales, and other aspects of cottage food production. The ADAI works in coordination with the ADPH to ensure that cottage food products meet health and safety standards.

Cottage food laws in Alabama allow individuals to produce certain types of food products in their home kitchens for sale to the public. These laws provide opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs to start their food businesses without the need for a commercial kitchen facility. Here are the key details of cottage food laws in Alabama:

Allowed Cottage Food Products:
Under Alabama’s Cottage Food Law, individuals can produce specific non-potentially hazardous food items. The allowable cottage food products include:

1. Baked Goods: Cakes, bread, cookies, pastries, and similar baked items.
2. Jams, Jellies, and Preserves: Fruit spreads made from cooked fruit and sugar.
3. Candies: Confections made from sugar, chocolate, nuts, or dried fruit.
4. Dried Herbs and Seasonings: Dried herbs, seasoning mixes, and spice blends.
5. Mixes: Dry baking or drink mixes, such as pancake mixes or hot cocoa mixes.

Prohibited Foods:
The Cottage Food Law in Alabama does not permit the production of potentially hazardous food items, including:

1. Perishable Goods: Foods that require refrigeration to prevent spoilage, such as cheesecakes, cream pies, and custards.
2. Dairy Products: Foods made with milk or dairy that are not shelf-stable, such as ice cream, yogurt, or cheese.
3. Meat and Poultry: Prepared meat or poultry products, such as jerky or deli meats.
4. Foods Requiring Further Processing: Products that need additional preparation or cooking steps before consumption, such as frozen dough or raw batter.

Sales Limitations:
Cottage food operations in Alabama have sales limitations. As of September 2021, the total annual gross sales of cottage food products cannot exceed $20 000 USD.

Labeling Requirements:
Proper labeling of cottage food products is essential to inform consumers about the ingredients and potential allergens. The following labeling requirements apply to cottage food products in Alabama:

1. Product Name: The common or descriptive name of the food product.
2. Ingredients: A list of ingredients used in the product, with the most predominant ingredients listed first.
3. Allergen Information: Clearly indicate if the product contains common food allergens, such as milk, eggs, nuts, or wheat.
4. Net Weight or Volume: The quantity of the product being sold, typically measured in ounces or pounds.
5. Cottage Food Exemption Statement: A statement that the product was produced in a home kitchen that is not subject to inspection by a regulatory authority.
6. Contact Information: The name and address of the cottage food operator.

Other Requirements:
To operate a cottage food business in Alabama, certain additional requirements must be met:

1. Food Handler Training: Cottage food operators are required to complete food handler training to gain knowledge in safe food handling practices – this is a legal requirement. An example of such training to obtain an Alabama Food Handler card is through FoodSafePal.
2. Facility Inspection: While cottage food operations are exempt from routine inspections, the regulatory authorities reserve the right to inspect the kitchen if a consumer complaint is received.
3. Sales Locations: Cottage food products can be sold directly to consumers at farmers markets, roadside stands, or other similar venues. Online sales and sales from the cottage food operator’s home are also permitted.

It is important to note that the details of cottage food laws can change over time. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the official websites of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) or seek guidance from the relevant regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with the most up-to-date requirements.

In summary, the Alabama Department of Public Health, along with the County Health Departments, is primarily responsible for overseeing food safety standards for all food establishments in the state. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries specifically regulates cottage food operations and ensures compliance with the Cottage Food Law. These regulatory bodies work together to maintain food safety and protect public health throughout Alabama.