Hello Everyone. I'm new to the boards here. Forgive me if the answers to my questions are posted elsewhere. If they are, it would be great if someone can point me in the right direction.
My wife and I have been toying with the idea of starting up a small roasting operation here in South Carolina. We've been home roasting for a while, but want to see about selling our product at local farmer's markets and to other retail establishments.
My questions are regarding the legalities of starting up a roasting company. I'm familiar with the SC business license process, but know nothing about regulations regarding the production of food products (federal and state). Is there a source that outlines this information? What have your experiences been in roasting legalities?
I plan on only roasting fair trade organic beans, and don't know if I need to get my own fair trade certification and organic certification, or if I'm covered since the beans are coming from fair trade organic farms. And how do I go about getting access to the logos for my packaging?
Also, what are the FDA, USDA etc. regulations on a roasting company? Are you required to have a nutrition label? Do you have to get inspections or file certain forms to be legally allowed to produce a food product? Are there any legal restrictions on producing a food product on residentially zoned property?
I'm looking at building a concrete floor metal building on my land with a small office inside and the rest of the space dedicated to roasting, cupping, packaging and storage. Any insight on what your experiences have been would be very helpful.
Thanks eveyone!
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