Expert: Carol Schlitt - 11/14/2006

Question
I want to start selling hot plates of food from my home. I also want to deliver to those who cannot come and pick their plates up. I live in Alabama and want to know who I might contact in order to find out if I can legally sell food from home and what the standards and regulations are for doing so. Thank you so much.  

Answer
Hi Dee,

You first need to contact your local health department environmental health services division and ask to speak to a sanitarian.  They will tell you the local laws for setting up a food business in your county.

I'm in Illinois and the requirement here are for a separate kitchen from your family kitchen that contains a 3 compartment sink, separate hand sink and backflow devise on your plumbing to prohibit sewer water from backing up in your facility.  I suspect Alabama is similar.

Also, you might want to contact your local University of Alabama Extension Office and ask for their assistance in starting a food business from your home.

I hope this has helped you Dee. Good luck with your potential business.

Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
University of Illinois Extension