SOUTH JERSEY (1010 WINS) — New Jersey is the only state where the sale of home-baked goods is illegal. A commercial kitchen is required, but that's about to change.
Home bakers in New Jersey will soon be able to apply for a permit to sell baked goods at farmers markets, fairs, fundraisers and many other places where you can find someone with a sweet tooth.
"This has been going on for a long time, so we are ecstatic and we're happy that this is finally happening," said Martha Rabello, with the New Jersey Home Bakers Association.
Rabello has spent years trying to make this happen. And there are some rules in place for safety. Some items such as cremes and frosting are banned, because they are hard to keep fresh. She said the permits are to sell non-TCS goods, meaning non-temperature controlled items.
"A home baker will need to have a food manager's license. The Department of Health has a list of accredited organizations where the home baker can get that," she said.
A cottage food permit is also required and it costs $100 for two years.
Rabello said the association hired consultants to help navigate the legislative process, and scientists told them people are more likely to get struck by lightning than get sick from something baked in a home kitchen, since the heat kills most bacteria.