Pennsylvania Rules And Regulations For Home Based Bakeries

Business By Mommaskip Updated 29 Jun 2017 , 8:25pm by MimiFix

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Mommaskip Posted 8 May 2008 , 11:22pm
post #1 of 32

I got this directly from the dept of agriculture today about home based bakeries. Im very disappointed because of having animals I will not be able to sell cakes from home. Here is the info I received today.
HOME-BASED FOOD PROCESSORS

A GUIDANCE DOCUMENT PREPARED BY THE:

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

BUREAU OF FOOD SAFETY & LABORATORY SERVICES

DIVISION OF FOOD SAFETY

2301 NORTH CAMERON STREET

HARRISBURG, PA 17110-9408

(717) 787- 4315
www.agriculture.state.pa.us


Home kitchens may be used for the processing of certain foods for sale to the public. The foods are limited to those that will not support the growth of pathogenic organisms and do not require a form of temperature control, such as refrigeration or heating. The foods are classified as non-potentially hazardous foods.

Non-potentially hazardous foods that may be processed in a home kitchen may include:

Bakery Products
Cakes, fruit pies, breads, rolls, brownies, cookies, fruit pastries, muffins, etc.

Jams and Jellies
Fruit varieties, etc.

Acidified Foods (Equilibrium pH of 4.6 or lower)
Salsa, pickled vegetables, hot sauces, etc.

Candy
Lollipops, fudge, chocolate, rock candy, hard candy, etc.

Potentially-Hazardous Foods
Potentially hazardous foods may be prepared in a home, if processed in a kitchen other than what is used for home-use and the facility has its own outside entrance.

For safety, time and/or temperature controls are needed to limit pathogen growth or toxin formation in potentially hazardous foods.


Potentially hazardous foods may include, but not limited to, any of the following products:

Cheesecakes, layer cakes with fresh fruit, cheese-filled products, pumpkin pies, custard pies, meringue pies, meat-filled products, etc. In general, most products that would require temperature control of the finished product.

The exception to this rule is low acid canned food (ph above 4.6), which can not be processed in a private residence.

Home processors, wholesale only, are regulated under the PA Food Act [Act No. 70, July 7, 1994, as amended (31 P.S. 20.1 et seq)]. Regulations are adopted under the Federal acts which relate to food.

In some cases, the home-based food business may retail the products directly to the consumers on premises, phone sales, internet sales, door-to-door, etc. Under these circumstances, the business would be regulated under
The PA Code, Title 7. Agriculture, Chapter 46 Food Code.

Under the current law, both retail and wholesale operations are registered with a $35 fee.

Some establishments are inspected by the Department, but are exempt from the $35 registration fee:

1.  Vehicles used to transport food products.

2.  50% of the commodities sold were produced on the land on which the food establishment is located.

3.  A food establishment selling food and beverages through vending machines.

4.  A food establishment that sells only prepackaged, non-potentially hazardous food or beverage.

General Requirements

1.  The Department will not approve a home-based food establishment where there are pets in the home that have free reign such as dogs, cats, etc.
The pets are not permitted in the home at anytime during the period the home-based food business is inspected and registered by the Department.

2.  Children and infants are not permitted in the kitchen area during the processing for retail sale and/or wholesale business.

3.  When processing for retail sale and/or wholesale business, no other activities may take place in the kitchen area, such as family meal preparation, etc.

4.  All ingredients, equipment and supplies for the retail and/or wholesale food business must be kept separate from what is used for home-use. A separate drawer, shelf, cabinet, pantry shelf, etc. may be used. All ingredients, equipment and supplies must be properly stored and maintained.





HOW TO GET YOUR BUSINESS STARTED:

1.  Contact your governing municipality (borough, township, or city) to determine if whether or not there are any local ordinances that would prevent a home-based food business. The Department will not supersede the governing municipality, if there is a local ordinance that prevents a home-based food business.

2.  Obtain written approval from governing municipality. Letter will be turned over to the PDA sanitarian during home visit for inspection and registration. Business owner should keep a copy of letter on file.

3.  So that you may receive the most accurate information during your initial contact with PDA, be prepared to discuss the specific type(s) of food products that you would like to process in your home.

4.  Water used for the home-based food business must be from an approved source, such as municipal water. If source of homeâs water is a private source (well), the water must be tested and approved before PDA home kitchen inspection. (Contact nearest PDA Regional Office for lab info.)

5.  Certain products may require laboratory testing
to verify product pH, water activity, % solids, etc. [Contact PDA Regional Office or Harrisburg Office to verify if whether or not initial lab testing is required for your product(s).]









6.  Contact nearest PDA Regional Office:




           






Region I â 13410 Dunham Rd.,
Meadville, PA 16335
(717) 332-6890
Region II - 542 Country Farm Rd., Suite #102,
Montoursville, PA
(570) 433-2640
Region III â Rt. 92 South , P.O. Box C
Tunkhannock, PA 18657
(570) 836 - 2181
Region IV - #6 McIntyre Rd., Gibsonia, PA 15044
(724) 443-1586
Region V - 1307 7th St., Cricket Field Plaza
Altoona, PA 16601
(814) 946- 7315
Region VI - 1030 Maclay St., P.O. box 5184
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 346 - 3223





7.  During the initial inspection of the home-based
food operation, the sanitarian will record the product (s) menu. All additions or revisions to the original menu after the initial registration must be communicated to regional PDA Food Safety Office.

Product label Information

1. Product labeling is required for prepackaged food
food items.

2.  Required label information:

-  Common name of product.

-  Name and address of productâs manufacturer or distributor. (For a home-based food processor, it is recommended that a post office box be used.).

-  Net weight in terms of weight, measure, or count.

-  Ingredients listed in descending order from most to least.

-  Food establishments registered with the Department may label their food products as âReg. Penna. Dept. Agr.â.

Labeling Exemptions

1. Bakery goods sold at retail by the bakery directly to
the consumer in a retail establishment operated by the
bakery.

2. Bakery products sold to a food service establishments,
when labeling information is available to the public on
the premises of the food service facility.

Non-Packaged Food

A sign or placard listing the ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight, shall be provided for food offered at retail in other than package form.

Nutrition Labeling

Small food processors may be exempt from nutritional labeling, based on annual gross sales or number of annual units sold. Businesses claiming such exemption, must notify FDA that they meet the criteria before marketing their products.

Additional Guidance References

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Food Safety & Laboratory Services
www.agriculture.state.pa.us


PA Laws, Regulations, and House Bills
www.legis.state.pa.us

Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA
www.fda.gov/

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
www.usda.gov/

Penn State University Food Safety Website (PSU)
http://foodsafety.cas.psu.edu/

PSU Food Science Web Log
http://psufoodscience.typepad.com/

31 replies
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Mommaskip Posted 8 May 2008 , 11:38pm
post #2 of 32

the regions are as follows by counties:
region 1- erie, crawford, warren, mckean, mercer, venango, forest, clarion, jefferson, elk

region 2- potter, cameron, clinton, tioga, lycoming, union, snyder, northumberland, montour, columbia

region 3-bradford, sullivan, wyoming, luzerne, susquehanna, lackawanna, wayne, pike, monroe, carbon

region 4- lawrence, beaver, washington, greene, butler, allegheny, armstrong, indiana, westmoreland, fayette

region 5- clearfield, cambria, somerset, centre, blair, bedford, mifflin, huntingdon, fulton

region 6- franklin, perry, cumberland, adams, york, lancaster, lebanon, dauphin

region 7- schuylkill, berks, chester, delaware, philadelphia, montgomery, bucks, lehigh, northampton

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Mommaskip Posted 30 May 2008 , 2:35pm
post #3 of 32

Bump

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chellescookie22 Posted 6 Dec 2012 , 1:56pm
post #4 of 32

AI live in central pa about 15 minutes from mifflin county. I was thinking of starting an online bakery. I would bake cookies and sell them online and through different horse rescues. I was curious to know what kind of regulations I would have. I also have two old cats that go outside but come in when they want.

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tracyaem Posted 6 Dec 2012 , 3:08pm
post #5 of 32

I'm licensed in PA and you are right, no pets allowed. I went thru the licensing process earlier this year and found it to be pretty easy though.

 

The gentleman did ask if I intended to do online sales (I don't) and said that requires registration with the FDA and some additional steps around ingredient listings and such. For deliveries/pickups I do not need to put an ingredient label on each cake (but do need to have the list available if a customer asks) but with online sales I believe the ingredients need to be clearly listed on each package. Don't quote me on this though since I was only 1/2 listening as it didn't apply to me :)

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cathy17 Posted 9 Dec 2012 , 4:29pm
post #6 of 32

are pets allowed in the home if they are kept out of the kitchen area by doors?

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HeyWife Posted 10 Dec 2012 , 4:18pm
post #8 of 32

I just contacted the Dept of Agriculture about blocking off pets with doors and they said it can be done if there's a separate outside entrance so that in no way the food will be transported anywhere the pets would be and the baking area would have to be in that enclosed area. The door to the home would have to be closed at all times. So basically you would need a 2nd kitchen, which then would make you a food processor instead of HOME food processor because you would not be using your personal kitchen, Same procedure, just a different application. My friend is on the zoning board in my township and he said the township wouldn't approve it because it's a second kitchen and I could file for an exception but most likely wouldn't get it. Their reasoning is if they did that for everybody there would be a business in every residential neighborhood. Always someone to rain on your parade :(

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kaybray3 Posted 20 Mar 2013 , 4:56pm
post #9 of 32

In reply to Tracyaem:

I just scheduled my kitchen inspection next wednesday. I feel confident in my kitchen, my house is brand new, I separated all of my supplies, ingredients, etc but I want to be prepared because I desperately want to pass so that I can take my business to the next level. Can you tell me what they did while they inspected you and what they looked for? How long the inspection took?

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tracyaem Posted 21 Mar 2013 , 6:00pm
post #10 of 32

The inspection was very easy. The guy brought his laptop and a small printer and the majority of the time he spent trying to make it work :)

 

He asked a few questions - mainly around ingredient lists. Definitely have ingredient lists for all of the cakes/fillings/frostings you have on your menu. He also asked about selling things online (I'm not, but if you are he'd probably have follow-ups). He spent maybe 30 seconds looking at my kitchen and pantry. If you have the same guy, he was a very nice (very chatty) older gentleman. He was there about an hour, but most of the time was chit-chat and very sloooooowwww typing on the computer!

 

I wouldn't stress too much, sounds like you have everything under control! G/L :)

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kaybray3 Posted 22 Mar 2013 , 5:55pm
post #11 of 32

Thank you sooo much for replying Tracyaem, I hope it goes smoothly and I'm thinking that it will. I don't plan on selling anything online so that's good. Thank you telling me about the ingredients, I have all of my recipes in order but will make sure all of the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed! My inspector is a lady named Kelly and she sounded very nice on the phone so I hope it stays that way during the inspection. I will post on what happens, thank you again for replying, I appreciate it very much :)

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kaybray3 Posted 23 Mar 2013 , 9:55pm
post #12 of 32

AHi again Traceyaem, I'm sorry to keep bothering you but I have one more question: I have an open concept layout with my kitchen and dining room so I can't close off the kitchen, is that a requirement? I have all of my equipment and ingredients in their own separate cabinets so I think that that is enough but I just want to double check on whether or not the entire kitchen needs to closed off. I feel comfortable with how I have my lists, equipment and ingredients in order but I'm worried about any other things that I might not be prepared for. I'm quite nervous in case it wasn't obvious :) If I pass the inspection it will open up a whole new world for my baking and I'm praying that it passes!

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tracyaem Posted 24 Mar 2013 , 2:17am
post #13 of 32

I don't see why it would be an issue. My house is open too - kitchen/breakfast room/family room are all connected without any doors or anything. You don't need a separate kitchen in PA.

 

Oh, I forgot one more thing you need... a glass of wine ;) Relax - you are definitely prepared!

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Norasmom Posted 24 Mar 2013 , 2:29am
post #14 of 32

I think the no pets rule is a good thing.  Although most home bakers would keep pets out of the kitchen, there are some that wouldn't...so no pets is a good policy.

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KarensCakes123 Posted 30 Jul 2013 , 2:01am
post #15 of 32

tracyaem and kaybray3, I'm so glad to see your posts.  I'm in PA and thinking of having my house inspected so I can become licensed.

 

I have a few questions for you both if you don't mind...

 

Kaybray3 did your house pass inspection?

Are either of you insured?  I assume once I'm licensed becoming insured would be the next step??

Can you give any other information as to what the next steps are for starting out?  For example zoning and any other things that I might not have thought of?

 

I appreciate you help and home you businesses are doing well!

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tracyaem Posted 31 Jul 2013 , 12:23pm
post #16 of 32

Hi Karen, yes I am insured. I went through my homeowners provider and got coverage. I'm very small-time right now and was only asked once for proof of insurance (large coprorate event). But I think if you want to get into weddings, most vendors will require it. I would also recommend forming an LLC. It keeps your business legally separate from your personal finances. Extreme example - someone gets sick on your cake and wants to sue, they can only go after the business assets, not your personal assets. I used Legal Zoom and it was very easy - you can register your business, get your federal tax ID number, the LLC, etc all in one simple process.

 

Zoning just required a call to my township and a letter explaining the purpose of my business. They sent me a letter allowing the business as long as it wouldn't cause traffic/parking issues (I mainly deliver, so no issue there), no excessive waste, and also stating that we would need permission for any expansions/renovations. Very straightforward. I believe you need the zoning permission letter before the inspector will come out.

 

I actually just got my renewal license in the mail yesterday - hard to believe it's been a year already!  G/L :)

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KarensCakes123 Posted 1 Aug 2013 , 12:23pm
post #17 of 32

Tracyaem thank you so much for getting back to me and all the helpful information!!  I've been putting this off for a long time (mostly because I felt overwhelmed when I thought about everything involved) and now that I'm taking some action I'm getting really excited!  I've always had that "extreme example" on my mind and decided not to sell anything until I was doing things the right way. 

 

One more question, did you have to have a separate refrigerator for the ingredients that are refrigerated or for storing cakes until they are delivered if required?

 

Thanks for much for your help!!

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kleroj Posted 10 Sep 2015 , 2:07am
post #18 of 32

Hi Tracyaem or anybody that knows, I am looking to start a home bake business (only cakes, cupcakes, cake pops and cookies). WHat do I need to do first if you would be so kind to tell? where did you go for your license?  there is so much information out there that I am totally lost and dont know what to do first. I dont even know anybody close that is in the same plan as me. I highly appreciate your info. Thanks a lot! 

*Last edited by kleroj on 10 Sep 2015 , 2:09am
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maybenot Posted 10 Sep 2015 , 2:14am
post #19 of 32

Check out forrager.com

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blondmary Posted 29 Feb 2016 , 2:26am
post #20 of 32

Hi all,

I was wondering if I have to get license in order to sell pre-mixes in a jar? like the cookies in a jar? nothing will be baked. Can someone help me with an answer please? I am in PA.

thanks!!!

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MimiFix Posted 29 Feb 2016 , 2:01pm
post #21 of 32

The  PA Dept of Ag & Markets handles the cottage food law for your state. See the application here. All food production, whether its baked or not, needs a license/permit. But PA is one of the best states for home-based food businesses. Good luck!

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joyljunk Posted 2 Mar 2016 , 2:51am
post #22 of 32

I have a question for those that had their home kitchen inspected in PA. What costs were involved? Was there a fee for the inspection? 

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-K8memphis Posted 2 Mar 2016 , 11:10am
post #23 of 32

i'm in tennessee but on page 16 and elsewhere in the link mimi provided in post #21 it says 

There are NO fees associated with this Application. Registration fees will be collected at the time of the inspection and are as follows: (Payable to: Commonwealth of PA) New Registrations are $35.00, at time of the first inspection Annual Renewal is $35.00 via USPS 

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TObryant Posted 10 Jan 2017 , 6:01pm
post #24 of 32

Hello. I will be having my state inspection and was just wondering what all they check. Do they go into your refrigerator, freezer, oven? Thank in advice for your help!!! 

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rplinpa Posted 3 Apr 2017 , 2:37am
post #25 of 32

I have 2 kitchens in my home. One of them is in an apartment I never use and is very modern. It's on the 3rd floor of my home. My question deals with pets. They are absolutely in the first floor of my home but are never allowed in the the third floor. A door is closed to the apartment, so a pet could never get in there. Do you think this would pass?

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-K8memphis Posted 3 Apr 2017 , 12:33pm
post #26 of 32

you have to ask your local authorities -- 

in ohio it would pass in tennessee it might not but the inspector would never know about it really either unless they point blank ask idk

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-K8memphis Posted 3 Apr 2017 , 12:35pm
post #27 of 32

point being i would pass you if i was the inspector -- ha!

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-K8memphis Posted 3 Apr 2017 , 12:36pm
post #28 of 32

but i mean don't lead with that question to them either kwim

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HeyWife Posted 3 Apr 2017 , 1:04pm
post #29 of 32

do you have a separate entrance to that 2nd kitchen? That kitchen needs to be segregated so that the pets can never enter and you can't carry any ingredients, supplies etc through the area where pets are. I had to take a window out of my 2nd kitchen and put in a door to my back yard because the only way to that kitchen was through my house. 

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mom243 Posted 19 Apr 2017 , 12:31pm
post #30 of 32

Can anyone tell me if there is a web page where you can search for a business to see if they are licensed to sell from home?  

I was looking to purchase some baked good from a local person who sells from home. When scanning her photos I noticed photos of dogs. http://http://www.facebook.com/sue'skakes 

Any help in finding out if she is licensed would be appreciated. Thank you 

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