You have your baking skills down to an art and you’re pumped to start a baking business. So, why not start a home-based bakery? The nice thing about a home-based bakery is that you don’t need to worry about the pricey overhead that accompanies opening a storefront bakery. Save yourself some money and protect your business along the way with bakers insurance.
Here’s a walkthrough of some general business requirements you may face as a home-based bakery owner.
Make Sure a Home Bakery Is Allowed in Your Area
Visiting your state’s health department site should be the first thing on your list. Each state has different regulations regarding cottage industries and the standards of home-based kitchens and it is important to do your own research. If your state doesn’t allow home-based bakeries, some alternatives to consider would be to utilize a commercial kitchen.
Health Inspection
Your state may require a health inspection or an Environmental Protection Agency inspection. It may be a complete inspection of your home-based bakery or an inspection of essential items. We recommend following best practices to make sure your kitchen passes the health inspection. It is critical to your business and your reputation to keep the premises in tip-top shape.
The National Restaurant Association recommends reinforcing handwashing, making sure all employees are up to date with food safety practices, and do your own walkthrough in and out of the establishment. You can learn more here.
Food Safety Certificate
You may be required to obtain a food safety certificate depending on your state’s regulations. If your state doesn’t require one, it’s a great tool to educate you and your team in proper food handling and storing to prevent cross-contamination from happening.
You can get certified online here.
Keep Your Kitchen Up to Code
Making sure your kitchen meets your state’s specific requirements is crucial; however, here are a few things that your home-based kitchen may need.
Additions to Your Home
- Additional sinks: The FDA food code requires that every foodservice business have at least one hand sink and one food prep sink.
- Food prep areas: Keeping your food prep areas separate can lower the risk of cross-contamination.
- Food storage areas: A designated food storage area can decrease food spoilage and cross-contamination from outside substances.
Fire Preparedness
- Install a fire detector and test the batteries at least once a month. You will also want to replace the batteries every six months.
- Keep the fire extinguisher in an easy to reach area. Inspect your fire extinguisher every month. Replace if the hose is cracked, the locking pin in missing/unsealed, or the handle is broken.
- Keep walkways clear and remove debris.
Baker Insurance
How are you protecting your business and its assets? Baker insurance protects bakers from third-party claims.
For example, if your customer experiences an allergic reaction from the food you prepare and sell, you may be on the hook for paying their medical bills. Don’t let this financial strain cause a rift in your bakery business.
Visit our page to learn more about bakers insurance.
