HI ALL!

I called the Jeffson City Health Department this afternoon. The STATE does not require a seperate kitchen - to do decorated cakes or cookies out of your house. As long as the customers come to you - in other words - you don't do any adverstising. You can't sell wholesale this way either. I asked him if I needed a license and he said NO - that is not needed. There might be city or county regulations that would require a seperate kitchen.

He said that a home bakery fell under the same category as someone selling fresh produce at the farmers market. Those who make jelly & jams and sold them at the farmers market are also covered under this regulation. As long as I didn't adverstise or sell wholesale - the state wouldn't come kocking on my door. I told the guy I was writing down his name, the day/time I called and what he said. He kinda laughed and said that would be fine - if I had any problems to call him.

I hope this helps those in Missouri!!

I live in South County and the State is okay with it but you should check with your county laws- for us they said absoultely not.

I talked to my county last week and they said yes a seperate kitchen was required because that's what the state required. I will call them back in the morning and see what they have to say now that the state is saying it's not needed. I just wanted to pass along what I found on a state level.

What county are you in?

Jackson County - I've thought about what the State inspector told me yesterday. I can't decide if I should call him back today & ask for him to something in writing or call the County and see what they say and go from there.

My husband & I also talked about it last night - he seems to think that since the County guy said that they inforce the State regulations & I've found out what the State regulations are that I will be ok. I've been doing cakes from my home for several years now with no problems. He thinks I shouldn't rock the boat.

Just to be on the safe side I would want it in writing, that is if the man you talked to is willing to do that. Happy Baking

I am also in Jackson County and I spoke with a rather rude lady (from the county) a few months ago and she told me that I couldn't bake and sell cakes out the home where my family lived. I asked her if I could make my basement into my "cake kitchen" and do only my cakes down there, and she said "no" because that is still the home that my family lives in. She told me that the only way I could do this on my property was to build an out building, like a shed or something.

That was not an option for me. Imagine all that it would take to run electricity to it, not to mention the heating and cooling of it.

I just do this for fun, and mainly for friends and family with a few other customers. I don't advertise, so I just decided to lay low and keep doing what I am doing.

It is interesting to hear that there is such a difference in what the county and the state will tell you. I think if you called and talked to 5 different people, you would get 5 different answers. Kinda sad really.

Good to meet other Missourians!

Hello My Fellow Missourians!
I was wondering if there were anyone from Missouri here.
This is so good to know. I am in Douglas county. Anyone evr heard of Ava? I should call me county. I have been trying to get a business license to sell skateboards out of my home but both places I have lived would have to be re-zoned for business. What really sucks is that where I am now, everything around me is zoned business except for me and the church administratin building next door.
I just do it anyway. Same w/ my cakes. I guess I do advertise though. I have given business cards out for my cakes to several people. Most of them are from my church. But yesterday when I deleivered my cake bites the lady said I could leave a sample bowl and some cards there in her office. I think word of mouth goes further anyway!
Have a lessed day!
Tab

I am also from Missouri I called my county health dept I may have asked the wrong question.... I am in Callaway county.....

she said I could have a cake kitchen in the house but could not expand the one I use for childcare because of the possibility of cross contamination

I did not ask if I needed one...

I was told if I quit family childcare I could easily convert that kitchen to a licensed cake kitchen

It is an allowed business in my town they just want the sales tax and business license.

I live in Cass County and have been making cakes for about 4 yrs. I just started going "professional" with my skills and have done two wedding cakes. I called another decorator who did advise me to check with the dept. of ag (?) in my county to see what their rules were. I haven't called yet but she told me to tell them I did not deliver because this makes a difference. She did say they would more than likely have guidelines about baking in a separate kitchen and certain sized sinks and wash bins. Something like that.

Is anyone familiar with this?

I am in Pulaski county I am not sure of the rules and regs but I will have to call and ask I don't sell my cakes, I make em then give em away but I have been asked to do a few cakes from other people who find out I do cakes. I will post rules and regs for this county when I find out (been tring to call while typing this but busy)
Lisa

I am in Pulaski county I am not sure of the rules and regs but I will have to call and ask I don't sell my cakes, I make em then give em away but I have been asked to do a few cakes from other people who find out I do cakes. I will post rules and regs for this county when I find out (been tring to call while typing this but busy)
Lisa

I'm in Green county and I was told that I could NOT sell cakes that were made in my home. They had to be made in a commercial kitchen. I still do but I'm careful about it