Understanding the Basics of PA Food Establishments & Cottage Food Regulations

On Friday, September 27, 2024, from 12 noon–1:00 ET, the Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law, alongside the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s (PDA) Agricultural Business Development Center (ABDC), presented this webinar in the Understanding Agricultural Law educational series:

“Understanding the Basics of Pennsylvania Food Establishments & Cottage Food Regulations.”

“Cottage foods” are homemade products prepared in a home kitchen, or “less than a full commercial kitchen,” and sold directly to consumers. The cottage food industry is expanding, with many states adopting laws allowing their sale within state borders—while Pennsylvania has allowed cottage food sales for decades.

This webinar provides an overview of Pennsylvania’s food safety laws, focusing on regulations and guidance for both hazardous and non-hazardous food products, as well as rules for food establishments. Additionally, it covers the state’s cottage food regulations, such as registration, licensing, labeling requirements, and health and safety standards.

00:12 - Intro with Audry Thompson
04:31 - Understanding the Basics of PA Food Establishments & Cottage Food Regulations with Chloe Marie
04:36 - Presentation Overview
05:34 - Understanding Cottage Food Laws
08:13 - Brief Overview of State Cottage Food Laws
10:24 - Time/Temperature Control for Safety Foods
18:00 - Product Assessment
20:12 - Retail Food Facility and Restaurant
21:50 - Commercial/Limited Food Establishments
27:05 - Testing Requirements
32:35 - Labeling Requirements
33:59 - Health and Food Safety Standards
35:57 - Conclusion