CALIFORNIANS CAN NOW SELL CERTAIN HOMEMADE FOODS

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January 6, 2013 (San Diego’s East County)  -- Love to cook and want to earn some extra money? 

The California Homemade Food Act, AB 1616, took effect January 1. It allows people to sell certain items cooked in their home kitchen, such as cookies, churros, dried fruits and pasta.   Those who wish to sell homemade foods must take a class and obtain a permit from the Health Department, though no inspection of kitchens is required.

There are restrictions on the types of foods allowed and where you can sell them.Sale of baked goods with cream, custard or meat fillings are not allowed due to higher spoilage rates.  You also can’t sell outside of your county, with certain exceptions.  Sale at farmers markets is allowed, provided rules for individual farmers markets are met.  You can also sell over the Internet, but only to buyers who live in California. 

Goods sold must be clearly labeled as homemade and also meet ingredients labeling requirements. 

California becomes the 32nd state to enact a cottage foods law allowing sale of homemade products in an effort to provide revenue opportunities for individuals.

Sales tax must be charged if certain foods are consumed where they are sold. Advertising is allowed. 

 For more information, visit  http://www.theselc.org/faq/  and  http://www.theselc.org/california-homemade-food-act-signed-by-governor-brown/.


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