New cottage food rules under the Illinois Home to Market Act went into effect January 1st creating more opportunities to sell foods made in home kitchens.
Mary Liz Wright with University of Illinois Extension tells Brownfield she expects to see more diverse and creative homemade foods like baked goods that can now be sold at fairs, festivals and out of homes this year.
“Cottage food makers are getting educated, they’ve got great ideas, I think we are going to see some really creative bakers and home canners that are doing amazing things and I am looking forward to it.”
She says while there are strict food safety regulations in place and food items with a high risk of food born illness are not allowed, consumers should still use their best judgement before buying goods from a home kitchen.
