More in-home bakers getting commercial kitchen licenses [Video]

The cottage laws that allowed her to make certain types of food at home without needing a license or inspection from the Department of Agriculture limited her from advertising her business online or selling through a website or social media.

Bill 759, passed July 1, expands the exemption for private homes where the resident processes and prepares certain food products to allow for its sale.

As bakers try to navigate the confusing food cottage laws as they work in their homes and try to sell their baked goods, more business owners are opting to get home inspections by the Department of Agriculture, so they can get a license and permits to sell their items online.

Nikita Ford, owner of Sweets by Keetin Glen Allen, said, “I talk to a lot of bakeries and some people are OK with the cottage laws, but I always say that if you can go the extra mile and get your …