Can I run a baking business out of my home?

Question

I am wanting to start a baking business out of my home. Does anyone know if the FDA allows this? Most of the food would be just dipped in chocolates and not actually baked.

Answer 1

Dear Amy,

The FDA, as such, does not inspect small business enterprises such as bakeries, etc. That responsibility is left to the individual state, county and city health departments of your locale.

In California, for example, home prepared foods are not legal for sale to the general public except in specific circumstances, such as, baked goods for charity bake sales, and things of that nature.

Recently California, this year in fact, past a new, updated and unified food handling regulatory package of bills, and many other states are also updating their health and safety codes as a result of so many people doing exactly what you propose, the selling of home prepared foods to the general public.

The only answer I can give you, at this time, is to call your local health and safety department, or your city, or county, and ask them, who is in charge of regulating and licensing small food preparation and food processing businesses, such as what you are proposing. They will direct you to the appropriate department, or person.

Sorry I couldn't be more specific, but, this is a regional question, not a federal or national one, and the laws change from state to state, and county to county in some states.