50. Can I bring unpackaged, bulk containers of cottage foods (like cupcakes) to a farmers' market or community event, and hand out the food after the customer chooses what they want to buy?

Yes. The cottage food law does not specifically prohibit a producer from bringing bulk containers of qualified products like baked goods to a market or event and package per customer order using tongs, deli tissue, or disposable gloves. In addition, dispensing food from bulk containers into packages is different from sampling, so producers who dispense food are not required to meet the food product sampling  requirements and restrictions specified in Minnesota Statute 28A.151.

However, cottage food producers do need to protect their food from sources of contamination to prevent adulteration according to Minnesota Statute 31.02, Prohibited Acts. Therefore, access to a handwashing station is necessary to prevent contamination from hands while working with unpackaged, ready-to-eat food. Bare hand contact is not allowed, and hand sanitizer is not a substitution for handwashing. A producer can either supply their own handwashing station (like the example below) or work with market managers to provide convenient, timely access to a handwashing station as needed. The food also needs to be protected while available for sale, such as in an enclosed display case or other type of covered container.

Labels that meet cottage food law requirements still need to be provided with food items given to customers. Labels can be applied to packages or containers prior to going to market, or provided at the time of dispensing the food by attaching them to packages or containers or handing them to the customer. 

Temporary handwashing station (container with flowing water spigot, wastewater container, hand soap, paper towels, trash container)

No

Yes. It is acceptable to sell cottage foods out of any type of structure, as long as the cottage food law is still met (selling approved cottage foods from home, a farmers' market, or community event), and as long as no food preparation is taking place within the structure.

51. Can I sell cottage foods out of a structure like a food trailer or truck?

Yes. It is acceptable to sell cottage foods out of any type of structure, as long as the cottage food law is still met (selling approved cottage foods from home, a farmers' market, or community event), and as long as no food preparation is taking place within the structure.

No

Subscribe to email and/or text notifications by selecting your area from the options below and entering your email address or phone number.

 

BTK

 

Mating Disruption

How do I subscribe to updates about spongy moth treatments in my area?

Subscribe to email and/or text notifications by selecting your area from the options below and entering your email address or phone number.

 

BTK

 

Mating Disruption

No

 

Stay Informed About Spongy Moth Management in Your Area