Tennessee Cottage Food Laws 2020

Non potentially hazardous foods do not support the growth of harmful bacteria and the processing steps do not require stringent controls to assure a safe product.

Tennessee cottage food laws 2020. Although a license or inspection from the ag department is no longer required producers can only sell in person at certain venues. Environmental health specialists work with food service operators to achieve safe and sanitary food handling practices conducting inspections training and enforcement of the food service rules and regulations. 5 years ago i started baking and making cakes and it is a skill that i can take and use wherever we move. I am so grateful for the texas cottage food law and for all who have made this endeavor possible.

However they still allow home based food businesses under the domestic kitchen law which allows indirect sales to restaurants and retail stores. Tennessee has updated their laws to exempt basic home based food processors from a license and kitchen inspection. Tennessee domestic kitchen cottage food law. Retail food stores and food service operations within them are regulated by.

On april 17 2017 the latest wave of changes to tennessee s domestic kitchen laws were signed by governor bill haslam appendix a. Only foods considered non potentially hazardous can be made in home kitchens. Foods that need time and temperature control for safety known as tcs foods generally include foods like milk and dairy products eggs meat beef pork and lamb poultry fish shellfish and crustaceans baked potatoes tofu or other soy protein sprouts and sprout seeds sliced melons cut tomatoes cut leafy greens untreated garlic and oil mixtures and cooked rice beans and vegetables. In 2012 tennessee updated their home based food laws to make it much easier for cooks to sell their homemade food.

Most states now have these cottage food laws now that don t require a licensed kitchen. Which foods are subject to the tennessee cottage food law. Nationwide 49 states and the district of columbia now have cottage food programs which allow residents to sell baked goods and other shelf stable non potentially hazardous foods directly to consumers. Sheila rodriguez the farmhouse dallardsville being a military family we move every few years.

Aspiring home based bakery owners must follow tennessee state regulations before selling and distributing baked goods. Have created new cottage food programs or significantly expanded their existing laws. The tennessee environmental health program is responsible for the inspection of food service establishments. Tennessee s cottage food industry faith critzer assistant professor department of food science nathan miller extension assistant department of food science.

New jersey is the sole exception since 2015 19 states and washington d c. For this you don t need a licensed kitchen or any inspections. A home based bakery business must follow the same regulations as other tennessee businesses which are required to register as a business and acquire a federal employer identification number.