Retail stores in York County SC must post a sign that clearly states domestic food products are not subject to commercial food regulations. Home-made foods cannot be served or used as an ingredient in a restaurant without a variation approved by the DHEC, but they can be sold packaged and labeled at retail food establishments. The variation is necessary to inform the consumer that the food or ingredient used in a food being served was prepared in a home. The Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status, and is an equal opportunity employer.
No food retail establishment permit is required as long as all food production takes place in the home kitchen. Sales and Use Tax Rates for South Carolina Municipalities (ST-42) State Map of Counties with Local Taxes (ST-500) Sales Tax Rate by Municipality (ST-57 SC) Unprepared Food Sales Tax Rate by Municipality (ST-59) Food producers who wish to sell food under the South Carolina Home Food Production Act must follow the guidelines set forth in the South Carolina Code of Laws 44-1143. Commercial corporations, not-for-profit partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and limited liability companies are the only business entities that must be filed with the Office of the Secretary of State. See this page for detailed information on selling foods that don't meet the definition of comfort food. York County does not require DBA (Doing Business As) information, but some banks or other institutions do require this presentation to open a business account or receive money. To submit a food retail establishment application, download and complete a 26% permit application (DHEC 176) and email it to your local Office of Public Health and Food Safety. For those looking to start their own food business in York County SC, there are certain regulations and requirements that must be met.
Home-food companies must properly label all of their food products, in accordance with federal laws and regulations. The South Carolina (SC) Home Food Production Legislation (HBFP) Guidance Document was developed to provide clear and consistent information about the law to domestic food producers to help them comply with the law and provide safe, quality food to consumers in South Carolina. You cannot sell to a food retail establishment or sell your products at a retail food establishment (this includes permitted mobile food units). These are great if your food business is growing beyond the limitations of your home kitchen and home cooking laws. The difference is required to indicate how the consumer will be informed, as required by law, that the food or ingredient used in a food being served was prepared at home. Below you'll find answers to frequently asked questions and links to the many resources available in York County that allow innovative and productive businesses of all sizes to grow and remain sustainable.
With these resources at your disposal, you can easily navigate through the process of starting your own food business in York County SC.
