What are Legal Regulations For Selling Homemade Cheese?

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Permitting and Licensing To sell homemade cheese, you’ll typically need to obtain a permit or license from your local health department or agricultural agency. In the United States, for example, the FDA considers cottage food products to be low-risk foods, and many states have specific laws and regulations governing their sale. For instance, in California, a cottage food operation permit is required to sell homemade cheese, and the permit holder must follow specific guidelines, such as labeling requirements and sanitation procedures. You can expect to pay around $50-$100 for the permit, depending on the state.
Sanitation and Food Safety Proper sanitation and food safety procedures are crucial when making and selling homemade cheese. This includes keeping your equipment and workspace clean, separating raw and ready-to-eat foods, and following proper temperature control procedures. You should also maintain accurate records of your cheese-making process, including ingredient sourcing, batch numbers, and storage conditions. Consider implementing a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plan to ensure your cheese-making process is safe and compliant with regulations.
Labeling Requirements When selling homemade cheese, you’ll need to follow proper labeling requirements, including listing ingredients, nutritional information, and any relevant allergens or warnings. In the United States, for example, the FDA requires that cottage food products be labeled with the name and address of the manufacturer, a list of ingredients, and a statement indicating that the product is a cottage food. You may also need to include a statement indicating that the product is made in a facility that does not use common food allergens, such as peanuts or tree nuts.