Expert: Carol Schlitt - 7/28/2006

Question
I would like to know what the regulations are here in Louisiana about baking goods in my home and selling them from my home also.  Thanks.
Brenda

Answer
Hi Brenda,

I suggest your first phone call should be to your local health department, environmental services division, as they will be the agency that inspects your kitchen.

I'm in Illinois and our requirements for a home-based baking business include a separate kitchen from your family kitchen (can be in the basement or out building) a 3-compartment sink, hand sink and a back-flow devise on your plumbing which prevents contamination from water that could back-up into your kitchen. Louisiana may have different requirements -- that's why you need to call your local health department.

I searched the internet for specific information on Louisiana and found that the Southestern Louisiana University has a Small Business Development Center that may be helpful as you pursue starting your business.  Check out this website:  http://www2.selu.edu/Academics/Business/SBDC/about.html  

Also the University of Louisiana-Lafayette has a micro business development center. Their website is: http://mbdc.louisiana.edu/about-us.shtml

Another website you might want to check out is: http://www.ebr.lib.la.us/reference/business/sbstartup.htm

Good luck Brenda -- if I can be of further assistance, please let me know.

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