Cottage Food Laws in South Carolina

Can You Sell Food and Beverage out of Your Home in South Carolina?

Yes, in most cases you can sell food and beverage out of your home in South Carolina under certain restrictions. Depending on the type of food, some may require a permit or license. For more information, contact your local South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control office.

What is the Cottage Food Law in South Carolina?

The Cottage Food Law in South Carolina is a state law that allows individuals to prepare certain foods in their home kitchens and sell them directly to consumers. This law allows individuals to prepare and market low-risk foods without having to obtain a permit or license from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). These items include canned jams, jellies, pickles, candy, and baked goods such as breads, cakes, cookies, muffins, and scones.

What is Required on a Cottage Food Label in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, cottage food labels must include the following:
* The name and physical address of the cottage food operation
* The name of the food
* All ingredients (including non-food ingredients such as preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and food coloring)
* All potential allergen sources, such as milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans
* Net weight or volume of the product
* The date the product was made or packaged (if applicable)
* A statement that the product was “prepared in a home kitchen not inspected by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control”
* Whether the food product is to be consumed before or after reheating (if applicable)

Are Cottage Foods Taxable in South Carolina?

Yes, cottage foods are taxable in South Carolina. The State of South Carolina Department of Revenue requires cottage food producers to register with the state and collect sales tax on all sales of taxable goods.

Do You Need to Establish a Business Entity to Sell Cottage Foods in South Carolina?

Yes, you need to establish a business entity to sell cottage foods in South Carolina. This could include registering your business with the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office, obtaining a business license, and/or obtaining a food service or retail permit from the local county health department.

What Permits do You Need to Sell Food out of Your Home in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, any individual or business selling food products must possess a valid license or permit from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). To obtain a license or permit, you must first submit an application and pay the necessary fee. Depending on the type of food product you are selling, you may also need to meet additional requirements such as registering with the local health department, completing an approved food safety course, and submitting to regular inspections. Additionally, you may need to receive approval from your local zoning board in order to operate your business from a residential area.

Does a Cottage Food Business Need a Food Handlers License in South Carolina?

No, a cottage food business does not need a food handler’s license in South Carolina. However, cottage food businesses must register with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and follow applicable labeling requirements.

How Much does it Cost to Obtain a Food Safety License or Certification in South Carolina?

The cost of obtaining a food safety license or certification in South Carolina depends on the type of license or certification being sought. A basic ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification costs $95, while a ServSafe Alcohol Certification costs $55. Other certifications may be more expensive or require additional fees, such as a certification exam fee or course materials fee. Additionally, some counties in South Carolina may require a separate food service license which may come with an additional fee.

Who Regulates Food Safety in South Carolina?

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is the agency responsible for regulating food safety in South Carolina. DHEC is responsible for developing and enforcing regulations regarding the production, processing, handling, and sale of food within the state.

How Long Does a Food Handlers License Last in South Carolina?

A food handler’s license does not exist in South Carolina.

What Permits do You Need for a Food Truck in South Carolina?

To operate a food truck in South Carolina, you will need a city business license, a state sales tax permit, a health department permit, and possibly a local permit from the municipality in which you plan to operate. Additionally, you may need to apply for insurance, obtain a driver’s license, and obtain the necessary vehicle registration and inspections.

What Permits do You Need for a Food Booth in South Carolina?

To operate a food booth in South Carolina, you need to obtain a business license from the South Carolina Department of Revenue and a Food Establishment Permit from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The Food Establishment Permit covers food storage, preparation, and sale and requires approval from the local county health department. Additionally, if you plan on selling alcoholic beverages, you’ll need to obtain an additional permit from the South Carolina Department of Revenue Alcohol Beverage Control Division.

What Permits do You Need for a Cottage Food Business in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, cottage food businesses are regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). To operate a cottage food business in South Carolina, you must obtain a retail food permit from DHEC. Depending on the type of food product being sold, additional permits may be required from DHEC’s Food Protection Division. Additionally, a business license may be required for certain cottage food operations.

For more information about permits required for cottage food businesses in South Carolina, please visit the DHEC website or contact their customer service team.

What are the Penalties for Selling Food without a Permit in South Carolina?

If you are selling food without a permit in South Carolina, you could face criminal prosecution. Depending on the circumstances, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony, and if convicted, you could face fines, jail time, and/or other penalties. In addition, if food safety violations are identified, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control could issue a cease and desist order and/or pursue civil action against the establishment.