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Standards for a "blue apron" type service

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CarrotKrate

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Posted 30 August 2017 - 03:00 PM

We are getting ready to open an online grocery and delivery service. We won't be doing any processing or preparing of food, however we will be bagging produce into plastic bags, very similar to what your bagger would do at the grocery store. Is this considered packaging food? I can go into more detail about what our process would entail if needed.

 

Thanks!



Charles.C

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Posted 30 August 2017 - 07:32 PM

We are getting ready to open an online grocery and delivery service. We won't be doing any processing or preparing of food, however we will be bagging produce into plastic bags, very similar to what your bagger would do at the grocery store. Is this considered packaging food? I can go into more detail about what our process would entail if needed.

 

Thanks!

 

Hi CK,

 

I deduce your specific question is whether the USDA will consider yr process as Packaging Food ? Correct ?


Kind Regards,

 

Charles.C


FurFarmandFork

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Posted 30 August 2017 - 08:42 PM

CarrotKrate, it sounds like you are a small operation and likely first answerable to your state regulations. What state are you operating in?


Austin Bouck
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Subscribe to the blog at furfarmandfork.com for food safety research, insights, and analysis.

CarrotKrate

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Posted 31 August 2017 - 12:04 AM

CarrotKrate, it sounds like you are a small operation and likely first answerable to your state regulations. What state are you operating in?

We are in Tennessee



CarrotKrate

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Posted 31 August 2017 - 01:31 PM

Hi CK,

 

I deduce your specific question is whether the USDA will consider yr process as Packaging Food ? Correct ?

That would be correct



FurFarmandFork

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Posted 31 August 2017 - 03:02 PM

Thanks CarrotKrate,

 

You're essentially starting a food warehouse, with some potential packing operations that would require you to handle ready to eat food (fruits and veggies). Unless you fall under some sort of farm or cottage law exemption, you need to get licensed with the state (or potentially your county).

 

TN has a guide for new food businesses here: https://www.tn.gov/a...turing-business

 

They have a contact to help you make sure you are compliant here: (615) 837-5177

 

USDA typically does not regulate food processors unless you are a farm or handling meat/poultry. Your best resource is the state level department of agriculture I mentioned above to help you navigate the hurdles you have to starting this business.

 

Do it right and keep it safe! Food is more complicated than many new business owners want to deal with, but the regulations are there for good reason, embrace them rather than fight them.


Austin Bouck
Owner/Consultant at Fur, Farm, and Fork.
Consulting for companies needing effective, lean food safety systems and solutions.

Subscribe to the blog at furfarmandfork.com for food safety research, insights, and analysis.



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