michigan’s new cottage food act

Michigan’s New Cottage Food Act

An Opportunity to Participate in Michigan’s Growing Food Industry

Pittsfield Union GrangeNovember 10, 2010

Frank Gublo

Michigan State University Product Michigan State University Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Center for Agriculture and Natural

ResourcesResources

Michigan State University ExtensionMichigan State University Extension705 Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor Michigan, 705 Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor Michigan, 4810348103Phone: 313-401-6283Phone: 313-401-6283gublofra@msu.edugublofra@msu.eduwww.facebook.com/gublowww.facebook.com/gublo

Michigan’s New Cottage Food Act

• Legislation was crafted to encourage Legislation was crafted to encourage entrepreneurship, support local farmers markets entrepreneurship, support local farmers markets and to further develop local food systemsand to further develop local food systems

• Takes away some of the obstacles that prevent Takes away some of the obstacles that prevent people from starting a food businesspeople from starting a food business

What types of food can be produced under the Michigan’s Cottage Food Act? Foods with low risk for foodborne illness

• Jams and Jellies• Breads• Cookies• Fruit Pies• Vinegar

• Coated or Uncoated Nuts

• Herbs-dried• Pasta-dried

• Cotton Candy• Popcorn

• Chocolate Covered Items• Cakes

• Dry Bulk Items

Under Michigan’s Cottage Food Act, where can food products be produced?

A single family domestic residence

• House

• Apartment

• Condo

• Rental House

What needs to be on your Label?

• Name of the food product

• Ingredients

• Net Weight or Volume

• Name and Address of the Business

• Allergen Labeling

All food produced under Michigan’s Cottage Food Act Must Contain the Statement:

Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan Department of

Agriculture

Food safety in your kitchen and home

Personal hygiene, clean kitchen and storage areas are key:

•Clean Counters, Sinks, Floors Ceilings•Clean pots, pans, bowls, utensils•Store in clean dry places, not on floors•Insect, rodent and pest free•Exclude pets from food prep areas•Proven food processes•Clean vehicle

The business aspects of the Michigan Cottage Food Act

• Market managers are very important to your success

• Sales limit

• In person sales only• Local zoning can be an

issue• Liability insurance

Finding More Help

Michigan Department of Agriculture

http://michigan.gov/mda

Michigan State University Extension-Washtenawhttp://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/extension

Michigan State University Product Centerhttp://www.productcenter.msu.edu/

Slides are available

www.slideshare.net/FRGublo

Frank Gublogublofra@msu.eduwww.facebook.com/gublo