Will I need to meet local zoning or other laws?
Yes. Cottage food operators should contact their municipal government to determine if there are local regulations that will impact their business. You must keep a written record of zoning approval and be able to produce it if requested by DCP.
May I make products in a rented commercial kitchen and sell them?
No. A cottage food license is only for food produced in your home kitchen. If you rent time at a commercial kitchen, you will need a food establishment license to sell your products, even if the rented kitchen is a licensed facility.
Are there any special requirements regarding my home on-well site?
Yes. Only safe drinking water from a properly constructed on-site well or municipal water system may be used. If a well is used, the well water should be tested, at least annually, for coliform bacteria and nitrates. You must submit a water analysis prior to approval and annually thereafter.
Water from wells with any of the following features should be avoided:
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Very shallow depth (< 25 feet)
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Producing cloudy water
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Located in below-ground pit
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Buried wellhead
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Missing cap or seal
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Opening around casing pipe
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Located in close proximity to septic system or other source of contamination (i.e. animals)
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Dug well
To learn more, please visit our Water Testing page.
Can I make and store cottage food products at my second home, or another property?
No. Cottage food must be produced and stored in the permitted area of your private residential dwelling. The permitted area must include your home kitchen and, therefore, may not be at a different location.
What are the concerns related to my home on-site wastewater (septic) system?
Depending on the nature and volume of the food products that will be produced for sale, there may be adverse effects to the existing system serving your home.
For instance, adding significant bakery wastewater can increase the total volume discharged, and may also increase the organic strength of the wastewater discharged to the drain field. This could lead to the possibility of accelerated system failure. The adequacy of the home system’s ability to handle additional wastewater loading should be evaluated prior to initiating production. Modifications to the existing system may be necessary.
For additional information, please contact your local health department.
Learn more about Connecticut's Cottage Food Program