Home Chefs

Home Cooks Seem to Get a Break… But Not Really

Don't start selling those pies just yet.
Don’t start selling those pies just yet. Photo: Roxanne Behr/New York Magazine

According to Illinois Statehouse News, “A new state law makes it easier for home cooks to sell their breads, pies, jellies and other goods at farmers markets, as long as they register with the local government and label their food uncertified.” Sounds like a good deal for home-based cooks, right? Well, as you might imagine, it’s not as simple as it sounds.

The Cook County Department of Public Health isn’t taking registrations, citing an ambiguity in the Illinois Local Food Entrepreneur and Cottage Food Operation Act, which requires “a unit of local government” to take registrations, not necessarily the local health department.”

“It’s not our responsibility to take on additional work unnecessarily,” said Sean McDermott, spokesman for the health department and a county alderman. Nothing like a helpful attitude!

Cook County wages silent battle against IL cottage food [Illinois Statehouse News]

Home Cooks Seem to Get a Break… But Not Really