Why Regulations Matter for Food Businesses
Did you know that most states require a food business license or registration for all food businesses, even if you’re operating from a home kitchen? You can check your local requirements through your state’s Department of Health or Agriculture. Many states also have cottage food laws that allow certain low-risk foods, like baked goods or jams, to be sold from home, but each state sets its own list of permitted items and limits. You can look up your state’s rules in the Forrager Cottage Food Directory.
If you are interested in importing and selling specialty foods, it’s important to know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) is the most common reason for FDA Warning Letters. Failing to comply with this regulation can ultimately result in import refusals.
Want to learn more? Join Start Small Think Big on October 15, 2025, at 3 pm ET for a free webinar, So You Want to Start a Food Business: The Regulatory Basics. We’ll break down the essentials of food cottage laws and compliance in plain language, explain the roles of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state regulators, and help you understand the foundations before taking the leap. This is the first in a two-part series for aspiring food entrepreneurs.
What You’ll Learn in This Workshop
This session will walk you through the key elements of starting a food business, including:
- Cottage food laws explained: Learn how these rules apply to home-based food businesses, including understanding potential registration, permitting, labeling, and sales limits.
- Importing or Distributing Food: Learn the FDA regulations associated with these activities.
- Compliance matters: Explore what it takes to stay on the right side of regulators and what happens if you don’t.
By the end of the session, you’ll have a better understanding of the rules and regulations to consider for your business.
Who Should Attend
If you’ve ever thought about selling baked goods, sauces, or packaged foods, this workshop is for you. Whether you’re experimenting in your home kitchen or already selling small batches, you’ll get clear guidance on the rules that shape the food business landscape.
