1. My friends tell me that my barbecue sauce or other bottled food product is really good and that I should start selling it to the public. What are the requirements to sell my barbecue sauce or other bottled/jarred product to the public?
If you plan to sell your bottled/jarred product wholesale (selling it to another individual, company, or store for the purpose of resale) you must produce in an SCDA approved facility, apply for a wholesale permit (RVC) and be inspected on a routine basis. A product label review is included in the RVC application process. Our Food Processing Establishment Guide can help you get started. Note: A home or domestic kitchen is not acceptable.
Bottled/jarred products must be analyzed by an FDA recognized processing authority. Most people in our state use Clemson University’s Food2Market. If the analysis classifies the product as an acidified food, you will also be required to complete an FDA recognized Better Process Control School. The resulting analysis and BPCS Certificate (if required) will be submitted with the RVC application.
2. My backyard chickens are producing more eggs than my family can consume. What do I need to do in order to sell the extra eggs?
Eggs can be sold from the farm or place where they’re gathered without any further regulation. Eggs sold to other businesses or at locations other than where they’re produced, must be washed, graded, sized and properly labeled. For more information refer to the Egg License Guide. You will need to apply for an Egg License from the SC Department of Agriculture.
3. I have a few bee hives and would like to start selling the honey?
Beekeepers who produce no more than 400 gallons (4,800 lbs.) annually and wish to sell their honey retail (directly to the end consumer) can apply for an exemption from registration and inspection. Beekeepers wishing to sell their honey wholesale (sold to another individual, company, or store; i.e. grocery store, convenience stores, restaurants, etc., for the purpose of resale) must apply for a Registration Verification Certificate with SCDA and have their honey house inspected and approved by SCDA. All honey sold to the public must be properly labeled.
4. My family raises rabbits. We would like to begin processing the rabbits and selling the meat to the public. What are the requirements?
The rabbits must be farm-raised and processed in an SCDA approved facility (see Food Processing Establishment Guide). You will need to apply for an RVC. The meat must be properly labeled and your operation will be inspected on a routine basis for food safety.
5. I make raw juices and would like to sell them to the public. What are the requirements?
Per federal regulations, raw juices cannot be sold wholesale to other businesses. Contact SCDA Retail Food Safety and Compliance at 803-896-0460 for regulations to sell raw juices retail (directly to the final consumer).
6. I’d like to sell my elderberry syrup to other businesses. What do I need to consider?
SCDA is aware of the growing interest in making and selling elderberry syrup. Elderberry syrup is unique because it can be sold retail or wholesale, classified as a food or dietary supplement, and prepared as a shelf-stable or a refrigerated food. Clemson Extension has an excellent resource that describes the requirements for making and selling elderberry syrup and products to the public.
