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: 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: Prohibited Foods:The Cottage Food Law in Alabama does not permit the production of potentially hazardous food items, including: 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: Other Requirements:To operate a cottage food business in Alabama, certain additional requirements must be met: 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.
