THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION IS OFFERING SOME TIPS TO GET INTO THE COTTAGE FOOD INDUSTRY. 

MANY PEOPLE ARE TURNING THEIR LOVE OF BAKING AND COOKING INTO A SECOND GIG, BUT THERE ARE REGULATIONS. YOU MUST TAKE A FOOD SAFETY COURSE AND REGISTER WITH THE LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT, LISTING WHICH FOODS YOU PLAN TO SELL. SOME ITEMS HAVE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS SAYS U OF I EXTENSION NUTRITION EDUCATOR JENNA SMITH.

YOU WILL ALSO HAVE TO GET INSURANCE COVERAGE AND PAY TAXES ON SALES. MORE RESOURCES, TRAINING AND CHECKLISTS FOR GETTING STARTED ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT: EXTENSION DOT ILLINOIS DOT EDU. JUST SEARCH FOR "COTTAGE FOOD."