Residents take a second look at cottage food

BATAVIA — In a recent press release, Clermont County Public Health officials cautioned residents against consuming potentially unsafe food items that do not comply with the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s restrictions on home-produced goods during the upcoming holidays. The statement arrived as the County shifts its focus toward improving community health and quality of life for the coming decade.

The Food and Drug Administration estimates around 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses across the United States every year, leading to approximately 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Recent outbreaks of Cyclospora cayetanensis and Salmonella cause concern for many rural Ohio shoppers who depend on locally produced ingredients.

However, the statistical majority of foodborne illnesses originate from commercial foodservice or large-scale agricultural production rather than small home-based cottage operations. In fact, illnesses caused by home-produced foods are extremely rare because of laws that protect consumers.

Ohio enjoys some of the most permissive cottage food laws in the country, allowing home producers to make and sell non-hazardous, shelf-stable foods without a state license, fee, inspection, or annual sales cap.

Cooks must produce goods categorized as “cottage food” in a local kitchen. These items include (but may not be limited to) the following:

• Cookies

• Brownies

• Jams

• Jellies

• Candy

• Fruit butter

Non-permissible goods include products that require refrigeration to prevent spoilage, such as salsa, cheesecake, and pre-made meals.

Clermont County Public Health recognizes that cottage food distribution increases during the holiday season and encourages residents to use caution before consuming food that may be unsafe.

Consumers should consider the following when shopping or eating food at local markets and holiday events:

Clermont County Public Health does not locally license cottage home bakery operations; this task falls under the jurisdiction of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Consumers who suspect a vendor is selling potentially hazardous food (like cheese, low-acid canned foods, or meat) should first look for proper licensing on the package or in public-facing business credentials. These items require temperature-controlled storage and inspection by the Ohio Department of Agriculture before sale.

It is illegal to sell cottage foods out of state or online without the proper licensing. Transporting certain goods can lead to cross-contamination, spoilage, and the spread of foodborne illness.

A vendor can sell cottage foods in grocery stores, registered farm markets, and other events. Because Clermont County hosts a wide variety of farmers markets throughout the year, residents should remain vigilant about what they purchase and should not be afraid to ask the vendor about the preparation process.

In general, non-temperature-controlled foods carry a very low baseline risk of pathogen growth. So those living and shopping in Clermont County can ease their worries about contracting surprise illnesses from locally-produced goods. Still, it is important to report any activity that may put neighbors' health in jeopardy.

Clermont County Public Health offers resources to access quality healthcare and education regarding foodborne illnesses in Southwest Ohio. For more information about cottage-food production and how to stay safe during the upcoming holidays, residents can contact ClermontHealthOhio.gov.

As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a good idea for everyone to take a second look at the food and ingredients they put on their plates. From the market to the dinner table, Clermont County can make the community a safer place to live and thrive through common sense and good judgment.

Read more about the state of public health in Clermont County.