Selling hams in GA

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Uncle JJ

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Question for any GA caterers or others in the know. I smoked 12 hams yesterday to give out as gifts. Now I have people lining up to order them - not my intention, but a nice compliment.

Any idea what I'd have to do re: health dept to be able to sell hams in GA? I'm guessing it wouldn't be worth the trouble, and I would've had to start the process months ago.

Appreciate any help.
JJ
 
FWIW, I spoke with the meat inspector at the Ga Dept of Agric. he said I'd have to have a licensed meat plant to package and sell the hams. Or an open mobile unit. Or I could co-share an approved facility. Or I could partner with a local retail store/grocery that has a meat license.

In all cases, I'd have to cook at the facility, indoors. So I couldn't use my smoker, unless I move it inside a facility. Also, he said I'm in violation even if I give the hams out as gifts! Apparently, meat inspection is tough in GA.

Discouraging.
 
sheeze

I guess that means grandma is against the law when she gives out her chocolate cookies to the kids lol
 
Yep, this is the over reaching nanny state that we have these days. The sad fact is that it has become so cumbersome and expensive to operate within the rules of the food industry that many just can't afford to. I have no actual proof to back up my belief, other than common sense and educated observations, but I believe that this has occurred due to lobbying by the large food producers in the industry and the desire of some people to control things even without any true benefit.

But there I go outing myself as a true Libertarian. :mrgreen:
 
Uncle JJ said:
FWIW, I spoke with the meat inspector at the Ga Dept of Agric. he said I'd have to have a licensed meat plant to package and sell the hams. Or an open mobile unit. Or I could co-share an approved facility. Or I could partner with a local retail store/grocery that has a meat license.

In all cases, I'd have to cook at the facility, indoors. So I couldn't use my smoker, unless I move it inside a facility. Also, he said I'm in violation even if I give the hams out as gifts! Apparently, meat inspection is tough in GA.

Discouraging.
Click to expand...

It's not just GA. That is the way it is in KS as well. Most states follow the Federal guidelines to construct their regs. The Feds have it pretty locked down to where you have to have specific, or multiple, licenses to operate. And in order to be in compliance with these licenses you need specific physical plant, equipment and procedural systems in place. (i.e. more and more capital investment and operating costs)

This is why there are increasing numbers of people taking more risk and operating "under the table" so to speak. We have some folks in our area that are very mobile so that they are hard for the inspectors to find. Too bad it has come to that but I understand their point of view.
 
bizznessman said:
Yep, this is the over reaching nanny state that we have these days. The sad fact is that it has become so cumbersome and expensive to operate within the rules of the food industry that many just can't afford to. I have no actual proof to back up my belief, other than common sense and educated observations, but I believe that this has occurred due to lobbying by the large food producers in the industry and the desire of some people to control things even without any true benefit.

But there I go outing myself as a true Libertarian. :mrgreen:
Click to expand...

I agree completely - another barrier to entry & another restriction of American freedom. That said, I understand having regulations in place to insure people aren't being put at risk by bad food. I just think it has become a bit extreme!
 
ButtBurner said:
sheeze

I guess that means grandma is against the law when she gives out her chocolate cookies to the kids lol
Click to expand...

<Gruff Cop Voice> "Drop the 'sugar-cookie' act lady! You and those other renegade cooks like yourself, make me sick!" :mod:
_
 
Uncle JJ said:
FWIW, Also, he said I'm in violation even if I give the hams out as gifts! Apparently, meat inspection is tough in GA.

Discouraging.
Click to expand...


This just doesn't make sense. So when my mom bakes two ham's in the oven and gives one to my aunt for her family's Christmas she would be in violation of Georgia Health Code????
 
cynfulsmokersbbq said:
This just doesn't make sense. So when my mom bakes two ham's in the oven and gives one to my aunt for her family's Christmas she would be in violation of Georgia Health Code????
Click to expand...

It all depends on how the State Health Codes, in each respective state, are written. Most State codes are written for businesses selling/giving food to the general public. Here in KS the scenario you present would not be governed by the KS Food Code since it is between two individuals. But give them time and I guarantee you that the powers that be will attempt to regulate that as well. :doh:

Now if my KS "business" were to want to cook it's own hams and give them as gifts to it's employees then guess what. It is a business giving away prepared potentially hazardous food to the public. KS State code now applies.
 
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