 Friday, April 18, 2025
Know the do’s and don’ts of selling homemade food
 Whether you are sharing a taste of a family secret recipe or experimenting with new flavors, the journey from kitchen to customers requires more than just culinary skill. Before selling certain homemade foods, you may need to make sure you are officially permitted by the health department to do so.
If you’re selling baked goods -- like cupcakes, cookies and pies – or herbs and spices you do not need a permit to sell them; however, you should send in a home-based processor application.
If you want to sell foods like gumbo, meats, tamales or casseroles, you do need an official permit to do so. Along with the permit, selling those types of foods requires them to be prepared in a commercial kitchen – which are designed to meet specific health, safety and operational standards. These rules and regulations exist to ensure food safety and provide consumers with some assurance that even homemade food meets quality and safety standards.
“Baked goods are low risk because they undergo a heating process that kills pathogens, and they often have low moisture and high sugar content. It’s not a good environment for bacteria to grow; whereas home-prepared foods that contain meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and other perishable foods can grow bacteria at dangerous levels if not cooked or stored properly at the right temperatures,” said Alison Schleck, Food Safety Supervisor at the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness.
A list of homemade foods that don’t require a permit in order to be sold can be found here.
If you have questions about selling food from home or have concerns about someone selling homemade meals or goods, contact our Food Safety program at 502-574-6650.
You can also use this form to contact our Plan Review team if you would like to sell foods that are not on the Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ home-based processor list.
You can learn more about the do’s and don’ts of selling homemade food by viewing this video on our YouTube channel.
Take steps to shine a light
on maternal mortality awareness
 Join us for The Womb Walk at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 19 in Algonquin Park. Check-in will begin at 9 a.m.
This maternal mortality awareness event focuses on the unique challenges encountered by Black mothers. You'll gain valuable resources, education, and advocacy aimed at improving maternal health outcomes and fostering a brighter future for everyone.
For more information, please scan the QR code or complete this form to sign up for the event.
Panel discussion will explore
lead exposure in Louisville
 Metropolitan Housing Coalition is hosting its Lead Exposure in Louisville Risks, Challenges and Solutions panel at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22 in the Centennial Room at the Main Library, 301 York Street.
The panel of experts will explore the dangers of lead exposure, the current issues with the lead rental registry, and propose actionable solutions and policies to address this critical issue.
Panelists will include:
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Dr. Lauren Heberle, University of Louisville Professor and Department Chair of Sociology
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Shameka Parrish Wright, Louisville Metro Government Councilwoman (District 3)
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John Cullen, LockUpLead and Health Home Chief Executive Officer
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Eboni Cochran, Co-Director Rubbertown Emergency Action
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