Is there a special thing I need to make and sell raw chocolate?

[startootsie]

I love creating dishes, but I do make some yummy Raw Chocolate! So I was wondering, is there anything special I need to sell it? Like a certifacate or something?

Is this okay to sell it? I love to do it!

[rawpriestess]

Well, first you would need a business licence in your state, and maybe county or city, you would have to ask them what else you need.


Business insurance

health permit/food handler's permit

and your kitchen where your prepared the food would need a health permit.

pretty tough to get a commercial health permit with a residential kitchen, I've never seen it done, but you could try.

they have very strict codes of food handling etc.

basically you have to prove that you know about hygeine, and your place is clean, that is to make it, then you also have to have a business, and a license to conduct business then insurance just in case, and it is best to contact your local state department of licensing, and ask them, they will no doubt have endless forms to fill out and a pamphlet or 100 to read.

good luck, that is why I quit catering, too much expense, inspections, reports, licensing, tests, etc, and all of the people who come into your kitchen, need a food handlers' permit too, don't forget that---UGH!!!.

[JennaBoBenna]

Oooo! I would love to buy some raw chocolate! Mmmm

[CAdreamer]

My kitchen is licensed for commercial food prep by Oregon FDA...it was very simple.

[rawpriestess]

OH, cadreamer you are so lucky, I'm in WA state, and it was impossible.


so, MAYBE there is hope yet, I do know that Oregon law is entirely different than WA law, I used to have a large apartment building in Or, NEVER AGAIN,

[Shona]

Shazzie sells raw chocolate bars, but I think someone else makes them for her. Maybe you could email her and she could give you some tips and advice.

http://www.detoxyourworld.com/acatalog/temptress.html

[startootsie]

Thank you all!

I just moved to NM, so I have to find out the what works here!

[Spectatrix]

This is off-topic for your thread, but where in NM did you move to? I'm in Albuquerque and I think a couple of other people on this forum are too.

[asil]

I think every city, state, and county may have different standards for commercial food prep. Where I live, a commercial kitchen needs things like a double stainless sink of a certain depth, a hot water heater that heats to a certain temp, stainless steel backsplashes -- things that are not in most home kitchens.

But, lots of smaller operations -- caterers, small bakers, etc -- rent space in large commercial kitchens during off-times. And there are commercial kitchens set up specifically to be rented by the hour, day, week, etc. You might see if you could find something like this in your area.

[startootsie]

Thank you all!

I live near Santa Fe.

What about selling it at a Farmer's Market? Or I supose I could maybe rent a kitchen.

[Sharon in Colorado]

I looked into this in my state, and I have to use a commercial kitchen to make my raw goods to sell as a business.

You really have to look up your individual state's laws. Check with your state department of health and inquire about what you require to sell your food making services.

[juliebove]

OH, cadreamer you are so lucky, I'm in WA state, and it was impossible.


so, MAYBE there is hope yet, I do know that Oregon law is entirely different than WA law, I used to have a large apartment building in Or, NEVER AGAIN,

Yep. Way back when I was in Jr. Achievement, we had to design a product ourselves, then produce it, market it, etc. Some sort of food item seemed like the easiest choice, but we were told to forget about that because we'd never get the permits we needed.

[aromaticwings]

Don't forget insurance also to cover yourself in case someone gets sick eating your stuff.. not trying to say they will but some people get hatefull especially if you are good at what you do and might even fake it so protect yourself..

TX is not easy to get a certificate either. they come to the house and check everything out.. if there are pets too they check the proximity to the kitchen and I think they make a big deal of that. they check proximity of vents too as bacteria hide in them and when it blows can be blown in food.. according to them..
Good luck to you.. DO NOT LET THESE SMALL THINGS GET IN YOUR WAY.. only small speed bumps to success.. hurdle these and you are on your way..be organized and write down everything pertaining your business. keep all receipts..

[startootsie]

Thank you all for the info!