This may be a silly question but I'm unsure of the answer so I have to ask. There are all sorts of regulations for starting a baking business out of your home . . . but if you're baking and not charging, then there are no regulations, right? The reason I ask is that we are going to be opening an equestrian facility in the next few months. I love to bake so I had thought that from time to time, I could have a basket of cookies / brownies / etc . . . out in the office area so that people can help themselves to a snack. Would there be any reason that I couldn't do this (or wouldn't want to)?

There's no reason you can't do that. It's like bringing something to a potluck or something

I could be wrong but in this sue-happy nation that we live in, I have a feeling you would be responsible if anyone got sick, etc... regardless of whether you charged or not.

Please do not think I am saying they would - I am sure they would love them! It's just that my Mom is absolutely petrified about people suing for no good reason or making something up to get a quick settlement and I think there is risk with everything... and it is such a shame. Takes all the fun out of it!

She wanted me to get signatures of release from the parents of kids in our neighborhood before I let them play on our jungle gym! She is making me crazy!

I doubt it, because to me its just like offering a house guest something to eat. There's nothing that can protect you from not getting sued with anything anymore

It varies Everywhere. Here we can sell but cannot advertise and it is legal-I found a statute that governs this. On another note if you own the place you can get by with posting a sign that they are home made. Just like a farmers market sale. You can sell home baked goods at the farmers market you just need to post a sign saying that it is home made.

Moydear-
Where did you get this information? I was informed that in Minnesota you can not sell ANY baked goods out of your house(w/o a licensed kitchen).

If you are opening up a business, then more then likely you will already have liability insurance. I see nothing wrong with having some cookies and maybe coffee in your lobby for your guests. The hotels do it, real estate offices do it, I have seen banks do it also.

You would not be selling, but giving them away, so I can't see any regulations against being nice . but if you have any concerns, if the items are individually wrapped, why not just print up litle ingredient labels so folks with things such as nut alergies are aware of what is in your treats?

gosh, isnt it awful how paranoid we can get about stuff like this?

Thanks for all of the responses. Lots of good advice. I felt silly asking but now I am so glad I did!