Your love of baking or cooking might become a successful company by starting a modest food operation from home. To begin, you must first ascertain whether your food item is considered a cottage food item in Michigan. You can register with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) after determining whether your product is eligible. The registration procedure is simple and consists of submitting a $50 registration fee, finishing an online application, and going through a food safety course.
Cottage food is a term used to describe culinary items that are prepared at home and sold directly to customers. These products don’t need to be refrigerated and are normally not dangerous. Cottage food products are frequently created from scratch, handcrafted, and sold in modest numbers. They are a well-liked option for anyone who want to launch a home-based small food business.
You must submit an application for a food service license with your local health department in order to obtain a vendor’s license in Michigan. It is crucial to get in touch with your local health authority to find out the exact criteria because the licensing procedure differs depending on where you live. Additionally, you might be needed to get and display a food handler’s permit at your food stand.
One of the 48 states with regulations governing cottage foods is Michigan. Before starting your business, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the specific needs of your state because each state has its own laws and regulations governing cottage food operations. You can convert your love of baking or cooking into a successful commercial enterprise by adhering to the rules outlined in Michigan’s cottage food law.
The following information must be on a cottage food label in Michigan:
The name of the product
The ingredients listed in decreasing order of weight of predominance
The name and address of the cottage food operation
The net weight or volume of the product
Allergen information as required by federal law
The statement “Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development”