Can We Prepare Food at Home? When Do We Need a Commercial Kitchen?
Starting a food business can be exciting. Maybe you have a great recipe, want to sell baked goods, start a catering business, or turn your cooking skills into a business.
But one of the first questions you should ask is:
Can I prepare food at home?
The answer is: sometimes. BUT USUALLY NO
Food business requirements depend on the type of food you are making, where you are selling it, and your local health department regulations. Some low-risk foods may be allowed under cottage food rules, while other foods require an approved commercial kitchen.
Before selling food to the public, always check with your local health department.
ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT! THIS IS STEP #1
GETTING A COMMERCIAL KITCHEN IS THE BEST SOLUTION?
What Is a Commercial Kitchen?
A commercial kitchen, sometimes called a commissary kitchen or shared-use kitchen, is a kitchen designed and approved for food business operations.
Commercial kitchens generally provide equipment and facilities that may not be available in a home kitchen, such as:
Commercial refrigeration
Commercial cooking equipment
Food preparation areas
Handwashing sinks
Dishwashing facilities
Proper food storage
Cleaning and sanitizing areas
Approved food-contact surfaces
Many commercial kitchens allow food entrepreneurs to rent kitchen space by the hour, day, or month.
This can be a great option if you are starting a:
Catering business
Food truck business
Meal preparation business
Bakery
Restaurant concept
Pop-up food business
Small food production business
Why Can't You Just Cook at Home?
A residential kitchen is not automatically approved for commercial food preparation.
Food establishments have specific requirements designed to protect the public from foodborne illness.
Some Food Safety Examples
Let's say you're preparing chicken for a catering business.
You need to think about food safety from the moment you receive the chicken until the food is served.
Important food safety practices include:
Keep food at safe temperatures
Cold foods need to stay properly refrigerated, while hot foods need to be maintained at safe hot-holding temperatures.
Cook food properly
Foods such as poultry need to reach the appropriate minimum internal cooking temperature.
Prevent cross-contamination
Raw chicken should never come into contact with ready-to-eat foods, utensils, or surfaces that have not been properly cleaned and sanitized.
Wash your hands
Proper handwashing is one of the most important ways to prevent food contamination.
Clean and sanitize
Food-contact surfaces, equipment, and utensils need to be properly cleaned and sanitized.
These are basic food safety principles taught through ServSafe training.
How Do You Find a Commercial Kitchen?
Finding a commercial kitchen doesn't have to be difficult.
Start by searching online for:
"Commercial kitchen near me"
"Shared commercial kitchen"
"Commissary kitchen"
"Commercial kitchen rental"
"Shared-use kitchen"
You can also contact your local health department and ask about requirements for your type of food business.
When looking at a kitchen, ask:
Is the kitchen approved for my type of food operation?
Can I prepare my specific products there?
What equipment is available?
Is refrigeration included?
Is dry storage available?
What are the rental rates?
Are there cleaning requirements?
Do I need my own food permit?
Does the kitchen have the proper facilities for my operation?
Don't sign a lease or start selling food before understanding the requirements that apply to your business.
Starting a Food Business? Get Educated First. Starting a food business involves more than having a great recipe.
That's where proper food safety training can help.
Start Your Food Safety Journey with Westchester Food Safety
Westchester Food Safety is a great way to get started on your food safety journey.
We provide ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification and food safety training for food service professionals.
Whether you're starting a new food business, managing a restaurant, working in catering, or looking to strengthen your food safety knowledge, proper training can help you build a strong foundation.
Have a food business idea? Start with food safety.
Get trained. Get certified. Build your business the right way.
Westchester Food Safety can help you take the next step toward better food safety and ServSafe certification.
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