AboutCarol Schlitt Expertise I can answer questions on home food safety, sanitation, home food preservation and commercial food safety (HACCP).
Experience I am an Extension educator, nutrition, wellness and food safety. I am a certified HACCP manager and a food safety instructor for the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Organizations International Association for Food Protection, American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (Certified CFCS), National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Society for Nutrition Education.
Education/Credentials BS - University of Illinois
MS - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
Question my friends asked me to cook for them on a weekly basis, twice a week a home cooked meal. can I do this or do I need a certified kitchen, even if it is for a small group of people on a very limited basis?
also, would I need insurance or any other kind of licence ?
Answer Hi Eva,
I assume from your question that your friends are paying you for this service -- right? If so, technically you are a "chef for hire" (term used loosely here). You open yourself up for liability when you prepare food for a fee and according to state health department laws (they vary from state to state) they may require you to be a licensed food handler and prepare the food either in the clients kitchen or in a certified kitchen and transported to your friends home. If you are a business, then you would want liability insurance to cover you and your products.
I suggest that you look into the USPCA -- United States Personal Chef Association -- and inquire as to what are your legal requirements. They will be able to advise you as to your liability, etc.
