AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Have an amazing jam or cheese straw recipe and want to share it with the world? The Alabama Cottage Food Law certification may be for you. This law allows residents to sell certain nonhazardous food items directly from their homes after passing an approved food safety course and registering with their local health department. Previously offered only in-person, the Alabama Extension Food Safety and Quality team is excited to now offer an approved online food safety course option.

Bridgette Brannon, Extension agent and coordinator of the food safety and quality team, said the new online course gives aspiring food entrepreneurs the flexibility to become certified from the comfort of their homes.

“People can register and complete the course at any time — day or night — based on what works best for their schedules,” Brannon said. “This format makes the training more convenient, more inclusive and far easier for future cottage food producers to start their business.”

In-Person versus Online

While the delivery method is different, Extension’s online Cottage Food Law course contains the same great information as its traditional in-person training. There is more reading involved in the online option, but Dani Reams, Extension food safety and quality agent, said there are checkpoints along the way to ensure people understand each section.

“This course covers general food safety information as well as safety information related to water bath canning and fermentation,” Reams said. “Each section includes a set of multiple-choice questions that you must successfully complete in order to move to the next module.”

After completing the course, people receive a certificate to submit to the Alabama Department of Public Health. This certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed. For those who prefer the traditional, in-person training, Extension agents will still offer those across the state. However, the options will be less frequent and in fewer locations than in years past. Those interested in attending an in-person class are encouraged to contact the Extension agent in their area.

Training in Spanish

Another new training option coming soon for the Cottage Food Law certification is a Spanish video series. Christy Mendoza, Extension food safety and quality agent, said this option will be transformative for Alabama’s Spanish-speaking residents.

“No matter the language someone speaks, our goal is to educate and have participants understand the best food safety practices for everyone’s health,” Mendoza said. “These videos will be professionally translated, and the instruction will be led by a native Spanish speaker, so the pronunciation and speed of delivery will be comfortable for participants.”

More Information

Enrollment for the Cottage Food Law course costs $25. Find more information about the new online options at aces.edu/go/cottagefoodbusiness.