Frosting

What is the difference between a home-based vendor and a retail food establishment?

A home-based vendor is an individual who prepares and packages non-TCS food products out of the kitchen of their primary home.

A retail food establishment is a licensed and inspected facility with an unlimited scope of product produced and sold directly to the end consumer with the approval of a regulatory authority.

Will I need to meet local zoning or other municipal laws?

It depends; the best practice is to contact your local municipality to verify zoning ordinances and regulations that may limit the operation of home-based businesses. HBV regulations only exempt operators from food related licensing and inspections by local health departments.

Are there any special requirements regarding my private water well?

Since safe water is a foundation of food safety, it is highly recommended to have it tested annually for coliforms, which could indicate if your well water has been contaminated. HBVs that sell ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables may be subject to the Indiana Produce Safety Rule. Please contact the Indiana Produce Safety Program for more information.