Other Website Resources
Nebraska Food Processing Center
Food Safety for Farmers Markets Lectures
This series of lectures focus on food safety related to Farmer’s Market products and necessary controls for the microbiological hazards associated with these foods. Particular emphasis will be placed on low water activity foods such as baked goods and jellies, acid and low acid foods, and sanitation. A special presentation on mushrooms and mushroom safety will be included.
Learn MoreNebraska Food Processing Center
Nutritional Facts Labeling
Do you need the nutritional facts panel generated or a recipe’s nutritional value figured out? The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Labeling and Regulatory Compliance department at The Food Processing Center can help.
Learn MoreNebraska Extension
Rural Prosperity Nebraska
Rural Prosperity Nebraska is the community development arm of Nebraska Extension and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Founded in 2018, Rural Prosperity Nebraska has one goal: to help Nebraska’s communities thrive.
Imagine a family-owned bakery on Main Street, a bustling farmers market on Saturday mornings, or a sprawling cattle ranch outside of town. No matter the setting or situation, rural communities make Nebraska prosper. Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension educators’ team up your communities and local leaders with university faculty and students, combining research with on-the-ground experience, to bring prosperity to your front door.
Learn MoreNebraska Extension
Fruit and Vegetable Safety
Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy eating plan. Local grocery stores and farmers markets carry an amazing variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are both nutritious and delicious. Harmful bacteria that may be in the soil or water where produce grows may come in contact with the fruits and vegetables and contaminate them. Or fresh produce may become contaminated after it is harvested, during preparation or storage. Here are some important tips to help protect yourself and your family from illness.
Learn MoreNebraska Department of Agriculture
Food Safety for Farmers Markets
Find concise information about the regulations for participating in a Farmer’s Market as a vendor in Nebraska.
Learn MoreNebraska Department of Agriculture
Pet Food and Treats
Selling pet treats and food does not fall under the cottage food law, as it is not considered human food.
For more information on selling pet treats, etc., contact:
Charles Hubenka
Commercial Feed Program Manager, Animal and Plant Health Protection
Nebraska Department of Agriculture
Desk Phone: 402-471-6846
APHP Office: 402-471-2351
Email: Charles.hubenka@nebraska.gov
Address: PO Box 94787, Lincoln, NE 68509-4787
K-State Research & Extension
Food Safety for Kansas Farmers Market Vendors: Regulations and Best Practices
Farmers markets are growing in popularity across the United States and across Nebraska. These markets provide a valuable market outlet for local farmers and allow consumers to purchase healthy local produce and other foods. To protect this key market outlet, it is essential that the food sold at farmers markets is produced and processed according to the relevant governmental rules, regulations, and guidelines. While the information is written for Kansas, it is still mostly relevant to Nebraska.
Learn MoreHome Baking Association
The Home Baking Association is a leading organization committed to nurturing a love for baking and empowering individuals of all ages with the skills and knowledge to bake from scratch.
Learn MoreNebraska Cottage Bakers Facebook Group
We are bakers who operate our business out of our homes, thus deeming us Cottage Bakeries. Since each state has different cottage food laws, we decided to create a group just for Nebraska bakers so that our specific laws and regulations are discussed in the group. This reduces confusion, as it allows everyone to be on the same page about our rules, restrictions, and challenges. We share our process, products, and experience with each other. This allows us all to learn and improve from the collective experience of the group. This is a private group. Only members can see who's in the group and what they post.
Learn MoreFood Safety Printable Resources
Nebraska Extension
Cottage Food Signage
The Nebraska Cottage Food Law states that the producer shall inform the consumer by a clearly visible notification that the food:
- Was prepared in a kitchen that is not subject to regulation and inspection by a regulatory authority and may contain allergens
- For sales conducted at a farmer’s market, fair, festival, craft show, or other public event, such notification shall be provided at the sale location.
- For sales conducted for pickup or delivery, such notification shall be provided at the producer's private home, on the producer's website, if such website exists, and in any print, radio, television, or Internet advertisement for such sales.
Iowa State Extension & Outreach
Food Safety for Food Entrepreneurs Handout Series
A series of handouts for food entrepreneurs about best practices related to food safety, food labeling, and cleaning and sanitation of food contact surfaces.
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Iowa State Extension & Outreach
Food Safety at the Farmers Market Infographic
Following safe practices while operating a farmers market booth is critical to the success of your business. This infographic provides best practices to follow to keep your products safe at the farmers market.
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North Dakota State University
Food Safety Best Practices for Local Food Entrepreneurs Resource Guide
The purpose of this publication is to provide information about best practices to maintain safety standards for products sold by local food entrepreneurs. Regulations vary in each state, so be aware of your location’s specific requirements.
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Food Safety Webinars and Lectures
Nebraska Food Processing Center
Special Processes for Food Service
This educational series focuses on the microbiology of various forms of food processing at retail, specific concerns for each process, and necessary controls for the hazards associated with these foods. Particular emphasis is placed on sous vide, cook/chill, and acidification to prolong shelf life of products.
This series combines lectures, demonstrations and downloadable material prepared by experts in food safety and regulations.
Nebraska Food Processing Center
Food Safety for Farmer's Markets
This educational series focuses on food safety related to Farmer’s Market products and necessary controls for the microbiological hazards associated with these foods. Particular emphasis will be placed on low water activity foods such as baked goods and jellies, acid and low acid foods, and sanitation. A special presentation on mushrooms and mushroom safety is included.
This series combines lectures and downloadable material prepared by experts in food safety and regulations.
Iowa State Extension & Outreach
Food Safety for Food Entrepreneurs Webinar
Planning for food safety helps ensure your food products' safety and protects your consumers and your business. This webinar should provide information on food safety basics.
View WebinarIowa State Extension & Outreach
Cleaning and Sanitizing Webinar
Learn about the definition of cleaning and sanitization, methods to clean and sanitize food contact surfaces in this webinar hosted by Iowa State University Extension & Outreach.
View Webinar