Question I am already a small business owner. I own a small ice cream shop that is closed during the winter. As a way to keep money flowing on the months that we are closed, I thought about adding baked goods to my web-site. They would be made to order for the local community, but I am not sure how to go about this as far as health department regulations. I already have a business license and I am certified through the department of agriculture. My shop obviously doesn't have an oven, so I am wandering about being able to make these things in my home. I am located in Northern VA. Do you have any suggestions?
Answer The first thing you should do is contact your local health department. Regulations vary widely from state to state and from county to county. In my state we do not allow any food for retail sales to be produced in the home, however there are others that allow the use of the home in certain situations.
In most cases you must use a licensed, commercial kitchen. That might mean working with another establishment in your area, constructing a second kitchen at your home, or adding the equipment to your existing business.
