Welcome to Johnson County Public Health - Sale of Home-Prepared Foods


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Baked Goods Sale of Home-Prepared Foods

Home Food Establishment- means a business on the premises of a residence where potentially hazardous bakery goods are prepared for consumption elsewhere. Annual gross sales of these products cannot exceed $20,000. This term does not include a residence where food is prepared to be used or sold by churches, fraternal societies, or charitable, civic or non-profit organizations. Residences which prepare or distribute honey, shell eggs or non-hazardous baked goods are not required to be licensed as home food establishments. Home food establishments with annual gross sales of $1,000 or less in sales of potentially hazardous bakery products are exempt from licensing under Iowa Food Code section 137D.2, if the food is labeled and the label states that the food comes from a kitchen not under state inspection or licensure and that labeling complies with rule 481-34.3 (137D).

Do I need a license in order to sell home-prepared food?
Yes, if you have annual gross sales of more than $1,000. To apply please contact Johnson County Public Health: 356-6040 or come into the office to apply in person.

Application for a Home Food Establishment License Adobe Document
How much food must I sell in a year before needing to install a commercial kitchen?
Iowa Food Code requires the installation of a commercial kitchen if your annual gross sales exceed $20,000. For specifications, please contact Johnson County Public Health: 356-6040.

What is the cost of a food license?
The cost of a home food establishment license is $33.75. The license fee is the same for an initial license and renewal license. Licenses expire one year from the date of issuance. Licenses are available from the Department of Inspections and Appeals, Inspections Division, Lucas State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0083; or from Johnson County Public Health: 356-6040. The license is not transferable to another person. 

This web page was designed to offer general information about the sale of home-prepared foods. If you have additional questions, please contact Johnson County Public Health at: 356-6040.