Hello. I am new here. I am thinking about trying to open a cake decorating business from my home. I am a homeschooling mother of 3 boys, so working from home is my only option at this time. Does anyone know any of the laws for Virginia concerning running a food business from your home? I appreciate any help you very knowledgable people could give me on this.

I also live and Virginia and plan on home schooling and cake decorating from home. I have been looking for information on selling baked goods from home and found a bit of information on a website about this, but unfortunately I cannot remember the domain (it may have been the Virginia State Government website).

On this site it states that one does not need to be a Licensed Baker to sell baked goods from the home (a Licensed Baker needs a separate kitchen from one used for household cooking). It also stated that a business license, of course, is needed and an inspection from a representative of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services would need to inspect how food items are kept (refrigerated items must be in a different refrigeration system than those for household use) and they must have a list of your processes (recipes). Unfortunately I did not find much on the Dep. of Agriculture website, www.vdacs.virginia.gov, about the laws, but I did find out things such as what temperature the refrigerator needs to be on for inspection.

My Wilton Course 1 instructor, who is a Licensed Baker from home, says that in Virginia, home bakers, licensed or not, must use box mixes by law but can add flavorings and make icings from scratch. I will email him tonight to see if he can offer any more information.

While in the process of gaining more information on lawfully selling home baked items, I will post here. I am surprised by what little information is offered on the government websites. I wish you the best on your endeavor.

I am currently gathering info as well. Here is what i know so far....

In VA, home based bakeries are regulated by the dept of agriculture, specifically the food and dairy dept. Call them (804-786-8899) and let them know you would like info and they will send you a packet. I found them to be very helpful and they will also answer questions for you. While you are talking to them, ask them for the ph# of the office in your county because they will be the ones you will be dealing with directly for inspections and such.

So far, the main points I have found are-
Your kitchen will need to be inspected, no carpet in kitchen, separate storage for business supplies, if you are on a well, the water will need to be tested, if you have a septic system, the health dept will have to certify your system can bear the load of the baking, and you will have to contact your county to check on getting the proper zoning. You will also need to register as a business. You will have to submit copies of all your recipes and procedures for preparing, storing, etc... for approval.

Of course there is other stuff but that is the jist.

The todo list can seem overwhelming but we are really fortunate to be living in a state that actually allows home based bakeries with relativley little to do compared to other states.

Good luck!
-Kim

Thank you so much for the info Kim

Here is a link to another post about this topic. There is some good information here.

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-7436.html