Can I Put My Baked Goods in a Basket?

Debby asks,

I would like to know if it’s O.K. to add things like rum cakes that you make yourself? Is there a law that says you can or can’t put homemade items in a basket? If so, where do I look?

There are laws regarding the sale of products you make yourself and sell to the public.

To make and add rum cakes to your gift baskets, the cakes must be prepared in a commercial kitchen or similar facility approved by your city or state’s board of health. The laws usually fall under the city’s domain, but check with your state board of health for the rules.

Start by checking the state health department’s Web site. If you find no information, a call to ask about current laws will provide you with answers.

Commercial kitchen examples include bakeries, restaurants, hotel kitchens, and catering facilities. Some states have private commercial kitchens set up for independent entrepreneurs like you. It may take some digging to learn if such a location exists in your area, but if you’re determined to make the rum cakes, the research is worth the effort.

There are also strict guidelines on placing ingredients and nutrition labels on your packaging. Again, your state’s health department will inform you about this and other rules.

A book that I’ve found to be beneficial regarding baking and selling foods is From Kitchen to Market: Selling Your Gourmet Food Specialty. It may also be helpful to you.

What I’ve just shared with you are basic rules for adding rum cakes within your for-sale baskets. Some designers believe that when giving the basket as a donation or in a manner which doesn’t require monetary exchange, it’s okay to add cakes and cookies made in a home kitchen to baskets.

I caution you about distributing items in this manner. What if someone becomes ill from your foods because you didn’t include labeling, and they’re allergic to something in the food?

Good luck, Debby. I know you’ll make the right decisions.

[tags]gift baskets, rum cakes, state department of health, city department of health[/tags]