I Got A Call From The Tx Health Dept Today!!
Business By divaofcakes Updated 22 Feb 2007 , 10:50pm by dodibug
hiring illegals that are carrying God only knows what
so we don't have to worry about getting a contagious communicable disease from an illegal or picking a piece of rat crap out of our food.
You mean this is not prejudiced... just take it back
Okay, new thought. You said you got a phone call from the health department. Are you CERTAIN it was the health department and not someone (competitor, angry neighbor, evil villan) just impersonating a health inspector? If you were given a warning, should it have come in a more formal form so that the health department could keep record of the communication?
you took the thoughts right out of my head...I 've been wondering the same thing since I read this post
hiring illegals that are carrying God only knows what
so we don't have to worry about getting a contagious communicable disease from an illegal or picking a piece of rat crap out of our food.
You mean this is not prejudiced... just take it back
I also said; Nothing personal to anyone here. I am just voicing my opinion.
No, it is not prejudiced. But for you, and any others offended, I'll take it back. 
Teekakes-- I'm sorry I got so hot on the subject, & for the heated arguement, sorry from the bottom of my Mexican heart 
I'm glad that you took that back, because whether you think so or not, that was a very prejudiced statement--the reason being that we don't know what anyone around us is carrying anywhere we go, so singling out 'illegals' as being the ones who might have hidden diseases is really not right.
People don't walk around with signs on that tell everyone around them what diseases they are carrying. A huge percentage of born-and-raised legal Americans have some scary communicable diseases and might work at your favorite eatery (or bakery!)
No offense to legal American citizens who have communicable diseases and still serve food! 
Teekakes-- I'm sorry I got so hot on the subject, & for the heated arguement, sorry from the bottom of my Mexican heart
I already did...
I think I was the one you were refering to. I read it last night.
Okay, Okay, to clear something up.....Police are like the health department. They don't bust people for dugs or illegal businesses unless they have an informant or catch you with the product in possession. Civil rights and laws to protect the criminal and public vicitms 
Don't hit the police too hard, they support local bakeries.
Sorry had to get that off my Police Department heart. 
Diva, my heart sinks for you. Your work is awesome. That's why I don't really try to push my limits outside family and friends. I just have to worry about the lady that walked away with no air in her lungs. (gasped at a quote)
Hang in there. God willing you will find away.
Best wishes
Shyann
I agree with Lea also. Just found yesterday from my Wilton instructor that the fine could be up to $5,000 for the first offense in Texas. Ug!
Personally, I'm a little leary about baking with the current highly contagious Hepatitis A health hazzard we are facing in North Houston.
I don't want to sound like a jerk and I am truly sorry that this happened to you, but if you know baking at home is illegal then I have to ask, why you decided to put this information on the "about us" page on your web site?
I operate Diva of Cakes out of my home, and because of my low overhead, you save! See for yourself!
Best of luck with the whole situation!
1st I will say I wish you the best of luck with this and it sounds fishy to me that the Health Dept called you instead of sending a formal notice or making a surprise visit for that matter. However I have to agree with PieceofcakeAZ's post. I only do cakes for family and friends right now and all for free simply because in my state you need a license and several other rules are imposed that make it not financially feasiable for me right now. But knowing these rules and still advertising and putting it out there for everyone to see is pretty bold. JMO
I meant to include this suggestion in my first post, but forgot to add it. Now, let me begin by saying I live in a VERY small town which currently does not have zoning laws for commercial/residential areas. So, this may not help anyone - but here goes:
When I began my business three years ago, I rented a small home in town, so I could have a kitchen to work out of. When I called the health dept. I was told that as long as I baked to order, did not sell cream pies, and nobody was living in the home, I did not need a "commercial" kitchen. As long as I had a handwashing sink in addition to the sink I washed dishes in, I was OK. This was an inexpensive way for me to get started legally. The dining room became my workroom, and of course, one of the bedrooms was my office, while the other served as storage space. Of course, I much prefer the commercial space I have now, but this was an inexpensive, quick way for me to get started without losing sleep at night wondering when I would get caught!
Like I said, I am in a town of about 1200 people with no real zoning laws, so I was able to make this work. Just thought I would throw it out there for anyone else who might have a similar opportunity.
That's actually a really creative idea, and it could be a viable option for someone in this situation. I'm sure even if the bakery doesn't have a "front of house" in most areas it would be okay. There are some services like that around my area of Connecticut and they're just all on commission basis.
I am very sorry about this Diva, and I agree it sounds fishy. However, just so you can be comfortable I'd look into finding a space and getting liscensed anyway. You can relax while you're working and not have to worry so much, and just focus on making your beautiful cakes and not who's going to turn you in. Prank or not this could be a blessing in disguise, but no matter what I hope it all works out for you. Good luck!
. [quote="Teekakes"]
I simply think our Heath Department should be busy policing the places they license and collect money from so we don't have to worry about getting a contagious communicable disease from an illegal or picking a piece of rat crap out of our food.
[quote]
As a Health Inspector I can tell you we are much too busy trying to keep up with what legal places we have to inspect that we don't actually go 'looking' for illegal cake bakers. When someone complains you have to follow up - it's part of the job.
As a Health Inspector I can tell you we are much too busy trying to keep up with what legal places we have to inspect that we don't actually go 'looking' for illegal cake bakers. When someone complains you have to follow up - it's part of the job.
Aahhhh you guys-it's the man! Don't turn us in tonyah! Just kiddin'! Glad to have you here!
It's like when I worked in nursing homes-even if the complaint was bs it was the state's job to come and check it out.
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