Requirements to Start a Home-Based Catering Service
Requirements to start a home-based catering service include a business license and a permit from the local health department. Health department requirements vary from state to state, but in every state the health department must inspect the premises.
Generally the health department requires commercial equipment that is designed to keep food warm or cold during transit and for food preparation. Commercial refrigeration is also a requirement of the health department due to the threat of food-born illness. The home-based catering service must also pass inspection from the fire department.
Other People Are Reading
-
Food Safety
-
If food is not kept at the recommended temperature the result can be deadly. Equipment and devices that take the temperature of food, hot water for washing dishes and a commercial sink are also requirements to start a home-based catering service.
Home-based catering services are required to use food containers that are designed to keep food from getting contaminated. Contaminated food can cause illness and sometimes death.
Additional requirements for a home-based catering service include submitting to regular visits from the heath department.
The Catering Kitchen
-
The local health department must also approve the layout of the catering kitchen. The health department governs even the temperature of the hot water used for cleaning in a catering service.
Cooks involved in a home-based catering service are required to wear hairnets to help prevent hair from falling into food. Cooks are also required to wear gloves when preparing food for a catering client.
-
Pest Control
-
Local health departments require that the home where the catering service is operated from must be free from any droppings from pests like rodents. Evidence of roaches and other insects can cause a food-based business venture to be shut down until pests are exterminated.
The health department requires that the kitchen of a catering service be clean. If there is dirt, food or debris behind the stove or refrigerator, the health department inspector can fine or even close the business.
Public Health Standards
-
Requirements to start a home-based catering service include making sure that the kitchen equipment is working properly. A leaky refrigerator can create a damp place for rodents to thrive.
Food that has been kept past its shelf life in the refrigerator or pantry can harbor harmful or deadly bacteria. Requirements to start a home-based catering service include having a system in place to rotate food and keep food storage areas clean.
Food Storage
-
Food containers designed to protect the food from bacteria are a requirement before a health permit can be given. Other supplies like clean towels and serving implements are required to start and operate a home-based catering service.
Storage units designed to store food must be kept clean at all times. It is a requirement that home-based catering services maintain a cooking environment that has barriers like screen doors and windows that prevent insects and rodents from entering the catering kitchen.
-
References
Resources
More Like This
Comments
-
Be sure to make time 4 yourself.
