Unlock success with Ohio small food business guide

By Andi Anderson

The Ohio Farm Bureau's legal team has developed an essential new tool for its members: the Small-Scale Food Business Guide. This 72-page resource is designed to simplify the complex landscape of food regulations, helping Ohio entrepreneurs effectively manage the legal requirements of selling food products ranging from raw meats to baked goods.

Leah Hetrick, the director of legal education and member engagement at the Ohio Farm Bureau, explained the guide's intent. "The laws and rules surrounding the production and sale of food products come from many different sources, both state and federal, often creating a confusing and hard to navigate regulatory space," she stated.

The guide aims to clarify these regulations, aiding members in understanding what is required for various food items and sale locations.

Key topics covered in the guide include:

• Cottage food guidelines for home-based food sales, including important labeling and allergen information.
• Legal requirements for operating a home bakery, with a detailed compliance checklist.
• Specifics on producing and selling maple syrup, honey, and sorghum, focusing on packaging and labeling standards.
• Insights into the Food Safety Modernization Act for fruit and vegetable sellers, and how to cooperate with local health departments.
• Guidance for small egg producers on exemptions and necessary regulatory compliance for selling eggs.
• Regulations pertinent to processing and selling livestock products directly to consumers.

The guide not only provides a breakdown of registration, licensing, processing, food safety, inspection, and labeling standards but also includes practical checklists and steps to start and manage a small-scale food business effectively.

For Ohio Farm Bureau members, the Small-Scale Food Business Guide is available for download at ofb.ag/SmallScaleFoodBizGuide, offering a comprehensive approach to navigating the complexities of food sales regulations, ensuring that small business owners are well-prepared to succeed in the competitive market.

Photo Credit -ohio-farm-bureau