Following these tips will help keep your food shopping safe while supporting local businesses.
news release
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
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It’s the season for farmers’ markets, fairs and festivals in Michigan, which means many food entrepreneurs are putting their wares up for sale, from prepared meals and fresh baked breads to processed foods like hot sauces, salsas, jams and pickles. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development urges consumers to make sure the food they buy comes from businesses that are licensed and inspected by MDARD or their local health department, or that sell food made in a home kitchen under Michigan’s Cottage Food Law.
“Buying local foods directly from farmers and specialty food processors at fairs, festivals, farmers markets, and even online can help support local businesses. That in-person interaction is special and helps connect the dots about where our food comes from,” said Tim Slawinski, MDARD’s Food Safety and Animal Health Director. “But buyers should exercise caution and ensure any food they purchase other than fresh produce comes from licensed and inspected businesses or meets the requirements of Michigan’s Cottage Food Law.”
Here are some general rules to follow:
Fresh produce grown on the producer’s farm can be sold without a license. Look for produce that is fresh, not wilted, and free of excess soil. Refrigerate produce as soon as possible and wash before storing in the refrigerator and before eating. Cottage foods, including low-risk products that do not require time or temperature control for safety, such as baked goods, jams, and most jellies, can be produced in Michigan without requiring a license or inspection. Cottage Food Product List Ready-to-eat hot or cold foods, such as full meals, pasta salads, sour cream-based dips, hot dogs or corn dogs, and ice cream, must be prepared in a licensed kitchen and kept out of the “danger zone” of 40°F to 140°F, where bacteria can easily grow, to keep the food safe. Raw meats must come from licensed and inspected processors and must always be kept refrigerated or frozen. It is illegal to sell raw milk or raw milk products in Michigan. The exception is raw milk cheese that is produced in a licensed and inspected facility and properly aged.
Here are some things to keep in mind when buying food:
Does the business have a license posted? If not, ask to see their food license. Check the name and date on the license to make sure the license is current. Is the sales area (tents, booths, mobile food trucks, etc.) generally clean? This also includes the personal hygiene of the people serving and selling food. Do they wear gloves when handling food? Are hand-washing stations available? Is there a way to keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot? If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” use your best judgment before purchasing. Is packaged food properly labeled? The label should include the net weight of the product, the manufacturer’s address, and an ingredients list, including allergens. Cottage foods must be individually packaged, and the label should also include the following statement: “Produced in a home kitchen not inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.” Are hot foods kept hot? Are cold foods refrigerated or frozen? You can also ask the seller to check the temperature before you buy. You should also handle food properly if you’re not going to eat it immediately or take it straight home. When you go shopping, bring a cooler with plenty of ice and refrigerate food as soon as possible. Be careful when buying food from online marketplaces. If you don’t recognize the seller or business, ask to see a copy of their food license.
Following these tips will help you support local businesses and keep your food purchases safe while enjoying great products grown and processed in Michigan.
For food safety tips and information, visit www.Michigan.gov/foodsafety
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