I have been making cakes off and on for friends for about 6 years now. I am only making them out of my home as I am not licensed or have a commerical kitchen. My question is...I have many people that are interested in having me make a cake for them, but how can I get compensated and get around the "food safety laws" in my state (missouri). I have had many offer to get a gift card to the place that I buy baking supplies to compensate me for my time. Can this get me in a sticky situation if I get caught?? I am not advertising. It is all word of mouth? If you have any advice or suggestions I would really appreciate it!!!

BUMP

In most states, it is about "selling" food from an unlicensed kitchen to the public. Even if they pay for the ingredients, it is still considered a sale.

have you checked into licensing? Dept of Agriculture is the authority for home bakeries (in many states) the health department in the county or state also can be the licensing entity.

Many decorators take the risk of selling (or even bartering) but if they catch you, or someone complains, the fines can be in the thousands of dollars.

In California the health dept told me that if I didn't make a profit then they wouldn't get involved, so I just have my friend or whoever just pay me for my supplies.

ml