Attention Arizona home based bakers and home food processors, the state of Arizona finally has a new website outlining the states cottage food law.

http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/oeh/fses/goods/index.htm

Happy Baking!!!

You probably already know that the Florida Cottage Food Bill 7209 was signed by the Governor and passed on June 21st and the effective date is July 1, 2011.

The State of Florida now has a regulatory system for Cottage Food Operations that allows for the production of non potentially hazardous foods i.e. cakes, cookies, jams, jellies, breads, and dry mixes prepared in a personal residence using home kitchen appliances. Annual gross sales cannot exceed $15,000 and your products cannot be sold on the internet, mail order or wholesale, which includes such places as restaurants and retail outlets. There are food labeling requirements; and the Department of Agriculture has the authority to investigate home-based food operations if there is a legitimate complaint and enforce penalties for non compliance. Look, it's a start! Congrats Florida Bakers & Happy Baking!!!

Just an FYI! There are 3 states currently waiting on their Governors to sign and pass their state Cottage Food Laws. The states are Florida, Illinois and Texas (the bills are currently on the Governors' desk). The cottage food law in Washington state should go into effect in late July or early August (it was passed). Bakers are still trying to get support from legislators in California. Keeping your fingers crossed.

Happy Baking !

Denay

The Texas Baker’s Bill is on its way to the Governor! Let’s start calling the Governor Tuesday and get this bill signed into law. http://bit.ly/m0DviQ

The governor signed the AZ Cottage Food Law on April 13th, and it is official. The law is tentatively scheduled to go into effect on July 20, 2011 and all rules and regulations should be posted on http://azleg.gov (bookmark & watch for updates).

Home-based baking is one of America's best-kept business secrets. This sleeper industry offers even novice bakers the opportunity to bake from home for profit using tried and true recipes and equipment already on hand. How to Start a Home-Based Bakery Business is the first book to cover every essential aspect of planning, starting, and running such a business successfully. Now available in bookstores nationwide and online at Amazon.com.

Hi all, I have a recipe-sharing website, and it would be nice to to have more baking  recipes posted on the site. It would be great if you can sign up on the site and post some baking recipes!

http://www.Flavoritup.com

Dennis

Any North Carolina bakers interested in promoting their products might want to check out the Got to Be Festival. I attend every year and it is a great place for food entreprenuers to get exposure.

The Got to Be NC Festival Food Expo Deadline has been extended to March 31, 2010. If you would like to participate in the Food Expo, please contact Myrtle T. Earley at 919-733-7912 ext 231

The 2010 Food Expo at the Got to Be NC Festival takes place on May 21, 22, 23 at the NC State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. This years festival will draw 75,000- 100,000 consumers. Please see the web site for more info - www.ncagfest.com

This year, the Expo will have a NC Wine Garden, NC Specialty Foods section and a NC Farm Fresh section. Customers can also purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, sauces, sweets, nuts, wine and plants while visiting the show.

A new rule requiring permits for homemade foods sellers went into effect on Jan. 1, 2010 in New Mexico.

The permits are mandated by the state Environment Department and will cost $100. This will allow the sale of homemade goods including baked goods, tortillas, jams and jellies, dry mixes and candies.

To obtain a permit, home-based food processors must pay the fee, attend food safety training and allow the New Mexico Environment Department to inspect their kitchens. This new permit process was introduced to monitor the safety of goods sold at farmers markets, roadside stands, fairs and fiestas. Visit http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/fod/Food_Program/HomeBasedProcessing.htm

" Michigan debates "cottage law" for homemade food sales visit:

http://www.sustainablefarmer.com/bblog/?p=174

Michigan State Representative working to allow  preparation of low risk foods. Tough economic times force governments to reexamine the rules and regulations regarding small home businesses as a way for citizens to earn income.