Question

[jhuyser]

Im sure this has been asked, but im curious. From time to time i get asked to smoke some meat for friend graduation, weddings etc.. NO i dont charge anything (i do hint that it wouldn't hurt to throw in a case of beer) and i always have them buy the meat etc.... What are my liabilities in this? as im just doing it for friends and family.. maybe 3 times a year max

[HBMTN]

If someone gets sick from food that you cook then you are liable. If you follow safe food handling procedures then it will be a minimal risk but it is still there. If it's friends and family you are probably okay. When word starts spreading of your great food and others call you for food then you might want to rethink it.

[Fat Freddy]

Problem with them buying the meat is while you know how you take care of it keeping it properly cooled etc., how do you know what safety measures someone else followed for meat storage. There may be issues way before you get the meat.

[jhuyser]

I appreciate the replies.. Will keep this in mind... What do you have to do to cover your a@#_)(@SS in this situation?? is there anything under a home owners policy that may cover this etc?

[Fat Freddy]

Originally Posted by jhuyser

I appreciate the replies.. Will keep this in mind... What do you have to do to cover your a@#_)(@SS in this situation?? is there anything under a home owners policy that may cover this etc?

I have commercial liability insurance so I cant really answer what is on your homeowners policy. So keep in mind i am not a lawyer or involved in insurance, maybe ask your insurance agent, saying that you didnt really say how big amounts. No matter amounts there is always that one that is law suit happy and blames everyone, but I think all of us that enjoys BBQing has cooked for others. Whether it is birthday parties, church event or just get togethers and probably not an issue but understand there MAY, though doubtfully, one day be a liability issue. Thats why i was saying something about meat, but like i said even grill outs or whatever a lot of times people bring there own burgers if they dont like what is being cooked, effing turkey burgers blah.

So if for a small amount probably not a worry just understand there is always that ONE somewhere and lets just hope they stay out of Iowa

[HBMTN]

Originally Posted by jhuyser

I appreciate the replies.. Will keep this in mind... What do you have to do to cover your a@#_)(@SS in this situation?? is there anything under a home owners policy that may cover this etc?

You should check with your state but the technical answer is most likely you are breaking the law by cooking for them and there is not a policy to protect you from breaking the law. In my state, you can cook food and have guests come to your house and eat but legally if you cook food and deliver it to a neighbor you are breaking the law. Now has anyone ever been charged for taking food to a neighbor? No but they could be charged. This was explained to me by my health inspector.

[jhuyser]

thanks for the replies i will check into local food health laws