HomeMy WebLinkAboutCottage Kitchen Process E-mailHi Tonya,
I found a code reference that you may find helpful:
WAC16-149-040(2): Products produced by a cottage food operation must be sold by the cottage food
operator directly to the consumer. Direct sales at venues such as farmers markets, craft fairs, and
charitable organization functions are permitted. Cottage food operations are prohibited from shipping
product, conducting mail order sales, selling products by consignment or wholesale, and selling product
outside of the state. A cottage food operation may maintain an internet website displaying available
products provided any sales arising from the website are completed as in-person transactions.
As long as licensed cottage foods are sold under the above conditions, there is no problem. If cottage
foods are sold outside of these parameters or without a license, the issue would have to be resolved
under the authority of WSDA. The health department does not regulate cottage foods operations, and
there is no prohibition on the sale of licensed cottage foods to the public by the health department.
Now that I’ve had some time to think on it, I see where there may be some confusion. The health
department does prohibit the sale or service of foods to the public that were prepared in a
home/residential kitchen that are not covered by a cottage foods license. Any food not covered by a
cottage foods license must be stored and prepared in an approved kitchen or permitted food
establishment if it is for sale or service to the public. A food service permit must also be obtained prior
to the sale or service of foods requiring such a permit.
I’d be happy to meet up to chat more if that would be helpful. You are also welcome to refer folks to us
at the health department if these questions and concerns continue to come up. They can call our front
desk at 360-385-9444, or email foodsafety@co.jefferson.wa.us.