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Home-Based Vendors
The law focuses on individuals who prepare and sell food from their primary residence.
The intent is to support small-scale, local food production.
Non-Potentially Hazardous Foods:
A central requirement is that products must be "non-potentially hazardous," meaning they don't require refrigeration for safety.
Direct-to-Consumer Sales:
Sales must be directly to the end consumer, not for resale to businesses like grocery stores or restaurants.
Allowed Products:
Common examples include: Baked goods (cookies, cakes, etc.), Candy and confections, Whole, uncut produce, Tree nuts and legumes, Honey, molasses, syrups, High-acid fruit jams, jellies, and preserves, Cultivated mushrooms.
Certain restrictions apply to eggs, poultry, and rabbit.
Key Requirements:
Food Handler Certification:
Home-based vendors must obtain a food handler certificate from an ANSI-accredited program.
Labeling:
Proper labeling is essential, including: Producer's name and address, Product name, Ingredient list (by weight), Net weight or volume, Processing date
A statement: "This product is home produced and processed and the production area has not been inspected by the state department of health."
Sales:
Sales can occur in person, online, or by phone, with delivery within Indiana.
eggs, poultry, and rabbit have more specific sales location rules.
Important Considerations:
No Licenses or Inspections: Generally, Indiana doesn't require licenses, permits, or routine kitchen inspections for cottage food operations.
Staying Updated: Cottage food laws can change, so it's vital to stay informed about the latest regulations.
Where to Find More Information:
https://ag.purdue.edu/department/foodsci/home-based-vendors.html
https://ij.org/issues/economic-liberty/homemade-food-seller/indiana/
https://www.in.gov/health/food-protection/files/Home-Based-Vendors-FAQ-FINAL.pdf
Disclaimer:
The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or a definitive suggestion. Laws and regulations related to Indiana's Cottage Food Law are subject to change and updates over time. It is the reader's responsibility to verify and confirm the most current information with relevant official sources, such as the Indiana State Department of Health or a legal professional specializing in food law, before making any decisions or taking any actions based on this information.
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