I am in the very beginning stages of thinking about making my hobby into a business. I know TX doesnt allow home bakeries (or that is what I read here ) but I was thinking about using a commercial kitchen at a church or daycare center. (I know a daycare that may not even charge me to use their space which would be fantastic!)

If I do decide to do that, what other things do I need to do to make myself a 'business'? Do I need a license of some sort or just a way to prove where I made the goods I am selling? DO they have to be labeled with ingredients on the packaging? I am a long way off from this really...I need alot more practice for one thing. I just want to investigate my options before deciding how (or if) I want to pursue it.

Thanks!!

Texas does allow home kitchens with certain rules and regulations with that, obviously, but it all depends on where you live. You have to check your city and county rules for opening a food establishment because some allow home kitchens, others don't.

If there isn't anything for your city or county, you are under the rules listed in the Texas Administrative Code which is on the Secretary of State's website. Every city and county food rule is based on those minimum standards.

Texas does not allow home kitchens in the sense that you cannot use the same kitchen for a food business that you prepare food for your family in. A separate kitchen must be completely closed off from the home's living quarters and have an outside entrance.

Also, with any kitchen you plan to rent, check to see if it is licensed already or you need to acquire one for yourself. Your county's health department is the best place to start.

Here's another thread that may help:
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopicp-824421-texas.html#824421