Recent changes to the Texas Cottage Food Law mean that more foods can be prepared and sold from a residential kitchen.  The previous law limited the foods that could be sold to mainly baked goods, jams and jellies, and dried herbs.  Under the amended law, which took effect September 1st, the list of foods that can be sold has been expanded to include pickles, popcorn snacks, candy, unroasted nut butters, and vinegar.

In addition, these foods can be sold at venues outside the home including farmers markets, roadside stands, and fairs. All foods sold must be properly labeled and include the name and address of the operation, the name of the product, possible allergens that are in the food, and a statement saying the food was not prepared in a kitchen that is inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department.  The amended law also requires that anyone who operates a cottage food business have a food handler’s card by Jan. 1, 2014.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office of Nacogdoches County will conduct a Cottage Food Law Seminar and Food Handlers Certification Class on Monday September 22, 2014 at the Nacogdoches County Extension Office.  The Cottage Food Law Seminar will begin at 10:30 a.m.  Lunch will be on your own from 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.  Topics covered will include the new cottage food laws, food safety concerns when baking and preserving at home and will conclude with the food handler’s course for certification requirements will begin at 1:15 pm. and will conclude at 3:30 p.m.   

The cost of the class is $25.00 per person and the class will be limited to 75 individuals. The registration fee will include food handler’s card, class materials, etc. The deadline to register is Thursday, September 17, 2014 at the Nacogdoches County Extension office located on 203 West Main Street in Nacogdoches Texas.          For further information or to pre-register, call the Nacogdoches County AgriLife Extension office at 936-560-7711.

Participants with special needs requiring auxiliary aid should contact the Nacogdoches County office of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service prior to the program in order for appropriate accommodations to be arranged.