Can I Sell BBQ from My Home in Texas? A Complete Guide

In texas culture, barbecue is an integral part; specifically, it is their way of life. Moreover, Texas is a state of savory sauces, slow-smoked meats, spicy rubs, and so on that a food enthusiast considers a must-visit destination. However, many Texans are passionate about sharing their food with others, especially BBQ. So home-based BBQ businesses are rising here daily. But the legacy of selling BBQ from home in Texas is a matter to be discussed. 

The Texas department of state health services provides specific guidelines and rules on selling foods. You can sell BBQ from your home in Texas, but when you are willing to sell bbq, you must understand and follow the legal requirements and regulations to avoid running afoul of the law. In this article, I will explore these crucial topics that you can understand and abide by these factors to sell BBQ from your home in Texas. 

Is It Possible to Sell BBQ from Your Home in Texas?

As I have already told you, you can sell BBQ from your home in Texas, but you should follow some rules and regulations there. So I will provide the guidelines for selling BBQ from your home in that state. You need to have permits and licenses and kitchen and labeling requirements. Additionally, it is a must to have sales requirements and liability insurance. 

Here are some rules and guidelines for selling BBQs from home in Texas

The Texas Department of State Health Service sets specific rules and regulations for selling food products. These rules and regulations are not only applicable for store or shop food but also are mandatory for homemade foods. In general, rules and regulations exist to ensure the safety of customers. 

However, you need to prepare and handle BBQ by considering some aspects such as storage, hygiene, sales restrictions, labeling, and types of equipment. 

Permits and Licenses

When you are selling a large quantity of food for business purposes, a permit must be issued. But if you sell a small amount of food, you don’t need it. 

However, You need to take a food service establishment permit from the Texas Department of State Health Service to sell your BBQ from home in Texas. This permit application procedure includes a course in food handling. 

Again it involves the submission of a review of the food establishment plan. Moreover, the permit application procedure includes passing an inspection. However, you need to remember that you must renew the permit annually. In addition, it is essential to pass a routine kitchen inspection before continuing the permit. Moreover, you need a use and sales tax permit to collect and remit sales tax.

Kitchen Requirements

When selling BBQ in Texas from your home, it is crucial to meet specific requirements set forth by the Texas Department of State Health Service. However, you must have a separate food preparation space, handwashing sink, and storage in your kitchen. 

In addition, you need to have a perfect ventilation and lighting facility in your kitchen to ensure a safe working circumstance. Besides these, the Texas Department of State Health Service sets specific guidelines for your kitchen equipment, such as ovens, refrigerators, smokes, and everything you need to prepare your BBQ. 

Labeling Requirements

You must label your BBQ products appropriately with the product’s name, ingredients used here, allergen, and contact information. In general, labeling a product ensures the accuracy of the product to the consumers because it contains accurate information about the food. Remember that the label should be clean and clear. Use font size at least 1/16 inch in height to make the label more attractive. 

Additionally, write the statement, “made in a home kitchen, and DSHS does not inspect the product,” on your label. 

Sales Requirements

When you want to sell homemade BBQ, you must sell the product in person. Again, selling the BBQ in the mail or online in Texas is prohibited. Moreover, you can’t sell it in a restaurant. 

Relying on the city ordinance and local zoning laws, you can be restricted on the frequency and volume of sales. In general, the sales restriction exists to ensure the safety of food products you have prepared and handled. Sales requirement informs the customer that the producer doesn’t compromise public health while making the product. 

Liability Insurance

You must have liability Insurance to protect against potential lawsuits while selling BBQ. However, the Liability Insurance will cover injuries or damage by the BBQ sold. Liability Insurance is a significant part of any business for protection purposes, but it is vital for a home-based business because it is more vulnerable to lawsuits. 

Important Note: It is very crucial to maintain a sanitary and clean kitchen. Again, following good food handling practices is essential to keep the customers safe. You must have proper documentation, permits, inspections, and sales records. When you have all those things maintained, you will comply with regulations. Furthermore, you must be informed of any changes to guidelines and rules and stay up to date with any requirements that the authority can impose.

Frequently Asked Questions And Answers

Is It Possible to Sell BBQ from My Home in Texas as a Hobby?

Sometimes people sell their food products for community events or for their friends and family. You can sell BBQ from your home in Texas for business purposes and as a hobby. When you trade for business purposes, you must require this. 

Is It Possible to Sell Homemade BBQ Sauce in Texas?

Yes, why not? You can sell homemade BBQ sauce in Texas. You can sell homemade sauces and salsa, ketchup, and hot sauce in Texas. But you must make them canned cottage foods and assume they are plant-based. It is crucial to keep the pH (power of hydrogen) level of the food should b 4.6 or less.

Will I Be Able to Sell Any Types of Food from My Home in Texas?

Unfortunately, you cannot sell any type of food from your home in Texas. Potentially hazardous food products are difficult to place, and you need an establishment permit from the local health department. But non-potentially dangerous food products have not need any license here.

Conclusion

Selling homemade BBQ in Texas is possible but has specific requirements and restrictions. Since BBQs or meats are potentially hazardous food products for health, you do need to follow established rules and regulations. So before starting a business, know the rules and regulations about the specific food. You must follow the permits, license rules, labeling procedures, and sales process. 

Moreover, for your safety, it is a must-have liability insurance. These rules and regulations are for the consumer’s and seller’s betterment. However, you can consult with a local health department for any further guidelines if you require them. They can provide the latest information to the people.