When deciding whether to sell food on Shef, it's important for you to understand the laws in your city and state. As a marketplace, we do not provide legal advice, but we want to provide useful links and information that may help you better understand laws and regulations in Georgia. This list is not exhaustive and there may be additional requirements or considerations based on your individual circumstances.

Under Georgia’s Department of Agriculture Chapter 40-7-19, licensed cottage food operators can use their domestic home kitchen to prepare a limited set of non-perishable products such as breads, cakes, and pastries to sell directly to consumers at non-profit events, for-profit events, and through online internet sales. For additional examples of allowable foods and instructions on how to obtain a license, please visit the Georgia Department of Agriculture website.

Anyone selling through the Shef marketplace is required to follow all state and local rules. If you would like to sell food items that are not covered by these laws, you are required to cook out of a commercial kitchen or other permitted facility.

If you determine you need commercial kitchen space based on the regulations in your jurisdiction and your menu, there are many spaces for rent including but not limited to a list we maintain here for your convenience. Please note, we can't verify they'll meet your specific needs so be sure to do your own diligence before partnering with any location.

Shef will determine whether sales tax is applicable, and will collect and remit those sales taxes on behalf of cooks and consumers who use the marketplace.

Additionally, shefs should consult a tax professional regarding their own personal income or other taxes. Cooks may need to obtain a business registration or tax permit depending on where they live, and should check their local city or county website for additional information.

Maintaining the safety of the Shef community is our number one priority. All shefs are required to pass an accredited food safety certification exam, a food quality assessment, and must maintain minimum quality ratings. More information about Georgia’s food safety training requirements can be found here.