The Tennessee Department of Agriculture regulates domestic kitchens in the state.
In Tennessee, food businesses that are operated out of the home must be regulated as domestic kitchens. A domestic kitchen must obtain a regulatory services permit and a food manufacturers license before it can sell any sort of food to the public. If the business will be operating as an independent entity, such as a corporation or a limited liability company, it must also obtain a general business license or grant of authority from the state to transact business in its own name.
Instructions
1. Obtain a federal employer identification number (EIN) for your business if you plan to operate the business as a corporation, limited liability company, or limited liability partnership. You will need this number to use the Tennessee online business registration system. To obtain an EIN, visit the federal Internal Revenue Service website and use the online application.
2. Register your business with the Business Services division of the Tennessee Department of State if you plan to operate your home-based business as a corporation, limited liability company, or limited liability partnership. Go to the Business Services division website and use the "One Stop Business Resource" link to file formation papers online. There is a fee for registration that you will be able to pay online once you finish the registration process.
3. Apply for a Regulatory Services Permit for domestic kitchens through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Regulatory Services Division, Food and Dairy Section. Refer to the publication "Tennessee Domestic Kitchen Rules" for the list of regulatory requirements you will have to satisfy to pass an inspection and obtain a permit. Call the department directly to obtain a permit application, pay any associated permit fee, and set up an appointment
4. Apply for a food manufacturer's license from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture by visiting the "Permits, Licenses and Regulatory Issues" section of the department's website. The page lists the contact information for the people who process the license under the "Food and Dairy" section. Call or email the contacts directly to apply for the license and pay any licensing fee.
Tags: limited liability, Tennessee Department, corporation limited, corporation limited liability, Department Agriculture, domestic kitchens, liability company