Expert: Carol Schlitt - 9/25/2007

Question
How do I sell baked goods (home made cakes) from my home?
Have read many articles regarding the subject, but find that i can't get any information pretraining to Alabama.
Already contacted the local health dept. and found out they don't certify home kitchen.  I'm at a stand still, please help!!!   Please give suggestions as who i can talk to regarding such, in Alabama.  Don't want to go to jail.

Answer
Hi Andrea,

It is possible to sell baked goods from your home so don't give up.  Your local health department will not certify your home kitchen (the one you use for family meals) but can certify a separate kitchen within your home that meets regulations.  In Illinois those regulations include a 3 compartment sink, separate hand sink, backflow devise on your sewer pipes (to prevent sewage from backing up in your kitchen) and surfaces that can be easily cleaned and sanitized (food work surfaces).  I've seen people have a separate kitchen in the basement of their home or out building on their property. It may be best for you to investigate using an already certified and inspected kitchen such as a church or organization with a kitchen. Also, some communities have kitchens available for individuals to rent for their business.

Check out this document written for Alabama citizens considering starting a food business: http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/H/HE-0753/HE-0753.pdf

For a copy of the Alabama food code with all the regulations, see this website: http://www.adph.org/environmental/assets/FoodRulesWithoutAppendicies.pdf

This website from Penn State is also helpful: http://foodsafety.psu.edu/processor/resources.htm

Don't give up Andrea -- there is a way of starting a small food business and making a successful venture.

Good luck,

Carol