CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – A new Virginia law that took effect July 1 is expanding what home-based food businesses can do. Bakers and other cottage food producers can now take online orders, accept electronic payments and ship shelf-stable products to customers across the state.
Carrington Epperson runs Chanterelle Cafe out of her home kitchen in Albemarle County, specializing in vegan and allergen-friendly baked goods. Before the law took effect, she could only sell her products in person — at farmers markets or through personal deliveries.
“It’s really wonderful that we have the Virginia Cottage Law, so that I can actually do this in my home,” Epperson said…