New online course launches for Alabama home food producers

BY MICHELLE KEY

PUBLISHER

LAFAYETTE — Alabama home food producers now have a new resource to help them safely and legally sell food prepared in their home kitchens.

The Food Safety and Quality Team has launched a new self-paced online course titled “Alabama Cottage Food Law,” designed for individuals interested in producing food for sale under Alabama’s Cottage Food Law. The course provides flexible, on-demand instruction and can be completed at the learner’s own pace.

Offered through Alabama Cooperative Extension System, the course covers the origins and purpose of Alabama’s Cottage Food Law, food safety best practices for home kitchens, labeling and allergen requirements, testing guidelines and basic home preservation methods, including water-bath canning and fermentation.

The course is intended for home producers who need a food safety course approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health, as well as those considering starting a cottage food business.

Most participants complete the course in about one hour. The cost is $25 and includes all instructional materials and an emailed certificate of completion.

Those interested can register online at
www.aces.catalog.auburn.edu/.../alabama-cottage-food-law and follow the instructions for enrollment and navigating the Canvas learning platform.

The new course provides an accessible way for aspiring and current home food producers to better understand regulations, improve food safety practices and confidently bring their products to market.