The Alabama Cottage Food Law was recently enacted and took effect on June 1.

This law allows anyone to sell non-hazardous foods made in their home directly to the consumer.

The foods allowed in this law include, but are not limited to, cakes, cookies, dried herbs, jams and jellies.

These foods can be made in a home that is not inspected by the local health department.

However, the vendor will be required to attend a food safety course that teaches basic food safety steps to assist in making sure the food sold to friends and neighbors is as safe as possible.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has developed a course especially tailored for the Cottage Food Law.

A training course has been scheduled at the Chilton County Extension Office, located at 504 First Avenue in Clanton, on Aug. 26 from 8-11 a.m. The course fee is $25.

The concepts taught in the class will be specific to foods prepared at home. At the completion of the three-hour course, the vendor will be given a certificate of completion.

The ServSafe class offered by the Extension system, as well as many other agencies, can also be used to meet the standards set in the new Alabama Cottage Food Law.

For more information on the law, or to register for training, contact Regional Extension Agent Janice Hall at (334) 415-8658, or visit www.aces.edu/foodsafety and click on “Cottage Food Law” to register.