Some food entrepreneurs worry about Mich. rules

DETROIT (AP) -- Some small-scale food entrepreneurs say they're concerned that Michigan's rules governing the so-called cottage food industry is stunting business growth. Michigan's law that took effect in July 2010 allows people to make certain food items in their homes rather than in a commercial kitchen for sale to the public. The law was designed to make it easier for small-scale food producers to sell jams, jellies, baked good, pies and some other food items. The Detroit News recently reported that limitations on what can be made and a $15,000 cap in annual sales for a home-based producer are key issues. Some say the rules essentially keep home food businesses at the hobby level and hurt potential growth. State officials say the law has opened the market for home-based producers. Published: Wed, Jul 6, 2011