May 06
All Class B CFOs must have their kitchens inspected annually in order to receive their permit. Wondering how to pass your Inspection? Cottage Foods Sandie has some tips and insights to make sure there are no hidden surprises! The main point of the inspection is to ensure that the public health is protected. That means …
Apr 16
The real question for most California Cottage Food Operators is how and where do I sell my homemade foods? Farmer’s Markets, where people knowingly come to sample and buy food, is often the first place people plan to sell. But getting into a market is not always as “easy as pie.” Here are some points …
Mar 04
There is no sense having a business that eats you out of house and home. Why work so hard making great food, then sell it at a loss? Do you know how much it costs you to produce your product? How much time it takes to make your goods? How much your competitors’ products cost? …
Feb 10
By law, Cottage Food Operators (CFOs) in California must complete a food processor’s training course within 90 days of getting a CFO permit. Since such courses do not yet exist, the state has (for now) approved certain online food handler’s card training classes for CFOs. We have compared providers on the list for you and found that …
Feb 02
California Dept. of Public Health has decided that we can use the internet to promote, even sell, our cottage foods–but the food cannot be shipped. It must be picked up by or delivered directly to the consumer. That may mean considerably less money as net profit! San Diego county is offering Class B permit holders …
Jan 29
San Diego County Environmental Health Department is allowing more options for Cottage Food Operators who, by law, must complete a food processor’s course within three months of getting registered. BOTH the state’s list of accredited training (online) and the county’s list of (in-person) classroom trainings will be accepted for now. The state is working to …
Jan 27
Good news! CA Dept. Public Health, the group tasked with developing a food processor course for Cottage Food Operators, has decided that until they have more time to design a class, we only need to get a food handler’s card. Here’s what is interesting… most of the state approved classes are not approved for …
Jan 16
The labeling requirements for San Diego Cottage Foods are listed in the registration application–but there’s more that is required by state and federal law. Also, some words should not be used to describe your product. Save yourself time and trouble down the road by using these tips to get your label right from the start… …
Jan 13
Cottage Foods Sandie got her Class B permit from San Diego Environmental Health on Friday. There are a few delays you can avoid and ways to streamline your process if you want to make it easier on yourself. For instance . . . Confirm that the zoning of your location will permit a home-based business. The …
Jan 06
Starting a business may SOUND intimidating, but it’s not. Just like a recipe, it’s a matter of following the steps in sequence. Cottage Food Sandie is here to help! We’ve put together the resources you need to get your business off the ground. Follow these simple steps to get a cottage food business started …