For more information on these signs, see the Labeling and Displaying a Sign section above.
For more information on these signs, see the Labeling and Displaying a Sign section above.
For more information on these signs, see the Labeling and Displaying a Sign section above.
For more information on these signs, see the Labeling and Displaying a Sign section above.
For more information on these signs, see the Labeling and Displaying a Sign section above.
Yes. The cottage food law does not specifically prohibit a producer from bringing bulk containers of qualified products like baked goods to a market or event and package per customer order using tongs, deli tissue, or disposable gloves. In addition, dispensing food from bulk containers into packages is different from sampling, so producers who dispense food are not required to meet the food product sampling requirements and restrictions specified in Minnesota Statute 28A.151.
However, cottage food producers do need to protect their food from sources of contamination to prevent adulteration according to Minnesota Statute 31.02, Prohibited Acts. Therefore, access to a handwashing station is necessary to prevent contamination from hands while working with unpackaged, ready-to-eat food. Bare hand contact is not allowed, and hand sanitizer is not a substitution for handwashing. A producer can either supply their own handwashing station (like the example below) or work with market managers to provide convenient timely access to a handwashing station as needed. The food also needs to be protected while available for sale, such as in an enclosed display case or other type of covered container.
Labels that meet cottage food law requirements still need to be provided with food items given to customers. Labels can be applied to packages or containers prior to going to market, or provided at the time of dispensing the food by attaching them to packages or containers or handing them to the customer.
Yes. It is acceptable to sell cottage foods out of any type of structure, as long as the cottage food law is still met (selling approved cottage foods from home, a farmers' market, or community event), and as long as no food preparation is taking place within the structure.
No. The Cottage Food Exemption is an exemption from food licensing and applies to food. Edible cannabinoids are explicitly excluded from the definition of food products found in Minn. Stats. §34A.01, subd. 4.
No. The Cottage Food Exemption is an exemption from food licensing and applies to food. Edible cannabinoids are explicitly excluded from the definition of food products found in Minn. Stats. §34A.01, subd. 4.
Neither a cottage food registration or food license are required to make and sell honey or maple syrup products if:
1) The person makes the products from hives or trees that are on land they occupy or cultivate, and
2) No off-land/purchased ingredients are added to the products (i.e., cinnamon).
The honey and maple syrup products would be considered a "product of the farm or garden" under Minnesota Statute and can be sold from the home, direct to consumers, at farmers' markets, shipped, and wholesaled to other businesses. Labeling requirements still apply. Please see Food Labeling Requirements for more information.
A cottage food registration or food license is required when off-land/purchased ingredients are added to the honey or maple syrup product or if the producer is using purchased sap, maple syrup, or honey from another producer. When this happens, the product is no longer considered a "product of the farm or garden" and is no longer excluded from licensing requirements.
Neither a cottage food registration or food license are required to make and sell honey or maple syrup products if:
1) The person makes the products from hives or trees that are on land they occupy or cultivate, and
2) No off-land/purchased ingredients are added to the products (i.e., cinnamon).
The honey and maple syrup products would be considered a "product of the farm or garden" under Minnesota Statute and can be sold from the home, direct to consumers, at farmers' markets, shipped, and wholesaled to other businesses. Labeling requirements still apply. Please see Food Labeling Requirements for more information.
A cottage food registration or food license is required when off-land/purchased ingredients are added to the honey or maple syrup product or if the producer is using purchased sap, maple syrup, or honey from another producer. When this happens, the product is no longer considered a "product of the farm or garden" and is no longer excluded from licensing requirements.
Yes. Minnesota Statute 28A.151 (Farmers' Market or Community Event; Food Product Sampling and Demonstration) allows food sampling and cooking demonstrations at farmers markets and community events without a license. However, all requirements in the law must be followed, including:
The food product sample must be:
- A small portion of no more than 3 ounces of a food or beverage that includes as a main ingredient a product sold by the vendor.
- Provided to customers at no cost.
- Ingredients and foods used in the samples and demonstrations are obtained from sources that comply with Minnesota food laws.
- Raw animal, raw poultry, and raw fish products must not be served as samples.
- Food product sampling or demonstrations including cooked animal, poultry, or fish products must be prepared onsite at the event.
- Animal or poultry products used must be from animals slaughtered under continuous inspection, either by the USDA or through Minnesota's Equal-To inspection program.
- Signage that lists the food sample’s ingredients and major allergens is posted.
- Food samples can be pre-packaged prior to the event. Those offering pre-packaged food samples that are completely sealed to prevent bare hand contact with the food are not required to have a handwashing station at the event. A handwashing station is required when handling open food for sampling or cooking demonstrations.
*NOTE* - The same food safety requirements as a Special Event Food Stand apply to sampling and cooking demonstrations. More details about requirements can be found on University of Minnesota Extension's website.
