Ask Your County Agent
Q: How can I sell bread and pastries at local markets and on social media?
A: Selling bread, pastries and other homemade products can be a fun side job, but it is important to follow local and state guidelines to protect consumers and yourself. First, you must understand the limits of what can and cannot be sold from a home kitchen.
Bread and pastries are considered “cottage foods”. Cottage foods are home-prepared, non-potentially hazardous and non-TCS (time/temperature control for safety) foods sold directly to consumers without requiring a commercial kitchen. They are products limited to those that can be made in your own home kitchen and are safe to store at room temperature. They do not need refrigeration or freezing for them to be safe to consume.
Other cottage foods include:
Artisan breads and baked goods
Decorated cakes, pies, and cookies
Fruit jams, jellies, fruit butters, and preserves
Handcrafted candies and confections
Dried herbs, teas, and spice blends
Gourmet popcorn, granola, and snack mixes
You are not allowed to sell meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, cooked vegetables, mushrooms, canned low-acid (vegetables) foods, pet treats, or infused oils, just to name a few. These items need temperature control or added processing steps to keep them safe to eat and require additional licensing.
Once you determine that your foods qualify as cottage foods, then you must follow the recommended steps from the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA):
Complete an American National Standard Institute (ANSI)-accredited Food Handler Safety Course. Contact your local Extension office about local classes.
Test your water – If your water source is from well water, then it must be tested annually for bacteria and nitrates. Again, your local Extension office can help with water testing.
Register with the Georgia Department of Agriculture for a free Cottage Food Registration number.
After receiving your registration number, you will need to check label requirements specific to your products. Every product you sell must include a compliant label with specific information clearly displayed. Labels can appear directly on product packaging, on your website for online sales, or on point-of-sale placards at markets and events.
The label must include:
Business Identification: Your business name, physical address, and contact phone number or email for customer inquiries. Could also include Cottage Foods Registration number.
List of Ingredients: All ingredients listed in descending order by weight, including sub-ingredients in compound items.
Allergen Warnings: Clear identification of major allergens: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, soybeans, sesame, and wheat.
Required Statement: MADE IN A COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO STATE FOOD SAFETY INSPECTIONS.
Georgia’s cottage food law allows you to use your home kitchen and equipment. In fact, commercial equipment cannot be used since it cannot be properly cleaned and sanitized in home kitchen sinks.
Finally, verify local zoning ordinances and business regulations in your city or county. Some farmers markets may require additional vendor licenses or have specific insurance requirements beyond state law. You may not be able to sell from a home-based storefront if local zoning regulations do not allow it. Check with local authorities regarding sales tax collected and business licenses you may need. Cottage food sales are allowed at farmers markets, online and even across state lines although your farmers market or municipality may require additional licenses or permits.
For more information or questions about cottage foods, contact the Coweta County Extension office at 770-254-2620.
