Hector Castro
Communications
If you are thinking of getting into the cottage food business, but are worried about selling direct to customers, it might help to know that a temporary suspension of that policy remains in effect.
Normally, cottage food operations in Washington are required
to sell direct to the consumer, and prohibited from shipping their food
products. But as with so many other person-to-person interactions, the COVID-19
pandemic made it difficult for cottage food operations to sell in this manner.
In late 2020, WSDA adopted the new policy, "Delivery of Cottage Foods products during the State of Emergency," to reduce the risk
of spreading the coronavirus while still allowing market access for cottage
food businesses.
Mailing cottage food products still has some requirements. The
product must be packaged to prevent contamination while it’s in transit, and
the cottage food operation must continue to meet record-keeping requirements
required by state regulations.
Washington has nearly 400 permitted cottage food operations
statewide covering about 30 counties. King County has the most, with about 100
permitted cottage food operations. Spokane County has 20 permitted cottage food
operations.
WSDA continues to accept new Cottage Food permit applications. The permitting process requires an inspector to visit the
location where the food will be prepared, but those inspections are currently
being done remotely when possible.
Visit agr.wa.gov/cottagefood for more information on current policies and the WSDA Cottage Food program.