DO I NEED A PERMIT FOR MY GROUP’S BAKE SALE?
Yes, you must register by filling out a temporary food permit application. No fee will be charged.
WHAT TYPE OF ITEMS CAN WE SELL?
You can sell non-potentially hazardous foods such as: cookies, brownies, fruit pies, cakes, breads, and breakfast-type rolls.
ARE THERE ANY ITEMS WE CANNOT SELL?
You CANNOT sell potentially hazardous items such as: pumpkin pies, sweet potato pies, cream pies, meringue pies, cream-filled pastries, pecan pies, cheesecakes, etc.
HOW SHOULD WE DISPLAY THE BAKED GOODS?
All items must be prepackaged. Each baker should individually wrap their items using plastic wrap, plastic bags, etc. before bringing them to the sale. You cannot have open food on the table (this includes samples).
ARE THERE ANY OTHER DO’S OR DON’TS?
Mostly common sense — no eating, drinking, or smoking in the area. Wash hands often and after using the restroom.
DO WE NEED TO LABEL THE ITEMS, AND IF SO, WHAT SHOULD BE ON THE LABEL?
YES, items must be labeled. The labels should include what the item is (common name), the ingredients in decreasing amounts, common food allergens, and the baker’s name, address, and phone number. This will help customers with food allergies, and allow FCHD to trace the baked goods in case of injury or illness. Allergens that must be listed include: milk/dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. For example:
Cinnamon Rolls
Flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, Yeast, cinnamon and salt
Contains: Wheat, milk, and eggs.
Jane Doe 309-123-4567
135 Main Street, Hometown IL
WHAT IF A BROWNIE, CAKE, OR COOKIE MIX IS USED?
On the label, list the baker’s name, address, and phone number. Attach a copy of the ingredient information panel from the box (including any added eggs, oil, nuts, etc.). See below.
Brownies
Duncan Hines brownie mix (see attached ingredient panel), eggs, canola oil
John Smith 309-234-5678
123 Washington Street, Yourtown, IL
WHAT IF I WANT TO SELL MY BAKED GOODS AS A BUSINESS?
You must register under the Illinois Cottage Food program to sell food made in a home kitchen as a business. Contact our office for more information.
IF I HAVE QUESTIONS, WHO SHOULD I CALL?
Contact the Fulton County Health Department: 309-647-1134, Extension 230.