Recently a local business in Oconee County got a very shocking surprise visit from SC Department of Agriculture.
The visit was a surprise as they didn’t think that they had anything to be concerned about. They sell vegetables, and other assorted items that the locals like to purchase.
The name of the business is Bushel and a Peck Produce & Country Store.
The store had been selling baked goods for a long while to go along with their other items. The owner made the items at home and sold them at their store, they looked into it and found out that the Cottage Law allowed this type of activity. The inspector from the South Carolina Department of Agriculture said they were in violation.
The owner looked into it again, and they ended up calling a supervisor at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and they helped clarify the rules and laws, the owner was elated to find out that the items they were selling were not in violation of the law, they did have to change their offerings on some of the items though.
At times people make mistakes, so they found out that the inspector got some things wrong that they were telling the owner.
According to the inspector there were more businesses in Oconee County as well that were going to get a visit.
We will try to find out what the outcome was of those visits as well.
What is Cottage Law?
The Cottage Law which is also known as the Home-based food products law, is a law that allows for people to make and sell goods that are made at home to be sold. It allows exemptions for small operations. You would want to seek the advice of an attorney on if your product meets the requirements of the Cottage Law and are in compliance, you can also contact South Carolina Department of Agriculture for helpful information as well.
Clemson University has a page that is loaded with information on this subject and gives a basic guide about this matter. https://www.clemson.edu/extension/food/resources/cottage-law.html
Resources for you to follow up with:
South Carolina Legislation site: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess124_2021-2022/bills/506.htm
Clemson University Cottage Law page: https://www.clemson.edu/extension/food/resources/cottage-law.html
South Carolina DHEC Retail food establishments regulation 61-25: https://dc.statelibrary.sc.gov/entities/publication/42c3f9b1-3a1c-4e70-a846-472c3e8d410c
