Durham cottage food sales governed by N.C.G.S. 130A-248. Registration with NC Dept. of Agriculture and kitchen inspection required. Baked goods, jams, candies, and honey allowed.
Under N.C.G.S. 130A-248, North Carolina permits home-based food production for direct sale to consumers. Producers must register with the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and pass a kitchen inspection before selling any products. Allowed items include baked goods, jams, jellies, preserves, dried fruits and vegetables, candies, honey, granola, and popcorn. Acidified foods such as pickles require completion of an approved safe production practices course. Well water must be tested for coliform bacteria before the inspection. The kitchen sink can only be used for food preparation and hand washing must be done at a separate sink. Pets that enter the home at any time disqualify the kitchen from food production under Good Manufacturing Practices. Durham residents must also hold a valid Home Occupation Permit if selling from the residence. Sales at farmers markets and roadside stands are common distribution channels.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Durham's cottage food operations rules stack up against other locations.
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