Kentucky permits home-based food sales under the Home-Based Processor and Microprocessor program administered by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, with statewide rules that override conflicting local food production restrictions for qualifying low-risk products.
KRS 217.136 to 217.139 establish Kentucky's home-based food framework. Home-Based Processors may sell shelf-stable items like baked goods, jams, and dry mixes directly to consumers from the home, farmers markets, roadside stands, or certified farmers markets. Home-Based Microprocessors require Cabinet certification and a University of Kentucky food safety course to sell acidified or canned products. All products must carry a label stating 'Home-Based Processor: Not Subject to Kentucky's Food Safety Regulations.' Local health departments may not impose stricter standards on qualifying products, though local zoning still controls where the activity may occur.
Selling unapproved products, missing labels, or operating as a microprocessor without certification can trigger embargo, fines, and loss of selling privileges under Cabinet enforcement.
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