New law covers certain foods produced in home kitchens, sold at farmer markets

DUPAGE COUNTY—A new Illinois law took effect on Jan. 1, 2012, that allows producers of food prepared in their homes to sell specific items at farmers' markets with no permit from the DuPage County Health Department.

This new law for “Cottage Food Vendors” is an opportunity for residents to earn money by producing foods at home for sale at Illinois farmers' markets. Sellers may not earn more than $25,000 in gross receipts in a calendar year. Sellers must register with the DuPage County Health Department.

The DuPage County Health Department has posted information on its website, http://www.dupagehealth.org/Cottage_Food about the new state law and its requirements, including:

• A copy of the law.

• A registration form with instructions.

• Information on where sellers can obtain food manager certification training, which is required by the law.

• A list of foods that are either allowed or prohibited.

• Food labeling requirements that must be met by sellers.

Sellers must display a placard that states: “This product was produced in a home kitchen not subject to public health inspection and a kitchen that may also process common food allergens.”

Food products that will be allowed for sale under the law include:

• Certain fruit-based jams, jellies and preserves.

• Fruit butters.

• Baked goods i.e. breads, cookies, cakes, pies, and pastries.

• Dried foods i.e. herbs and teas.

Foods sold under this new law can only be sold at farmers' markets.

Larger sellers and the foods they produce are not exempted by the new law and are still required to comply with existing regulations and obtaining proper permits.

For more information on the DuPage County Health Department, follow us on Twitter @DuPageHD or become a fan on Facebook.