South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

We promote and protect the health of the public and the environment.

• Food Industry: Rules/Guidelines
• Permits - Types, Application
• Do I Need a Permit?
• Build Out Problems (Plan Review)
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• Violations
• Staff Training: Resources
• Investigations
• Boil Water Emergencies
• Overuse of Antibiotics a Danger
• Outdoor Cooking
• Prevent Food Tampering
• Service Animals Allowed
• Approval to Market Food Products
• Dairy Products/Raw Milk
• Soft Drinks, Bottled Water, Ice Plants
• S.C. Food Safety Regulations
• Contact Us

• Related DHEC Websites
• Food Safety for Home Cooks
• Food Safety and S.C. Public Health
• Environmental Health Home

Bakeries, Bake Sales, and Selling Baked Goods to Store or Restaurants

Food Permit(s) Needed

Retail Bakery
If you want to operate a retail bakery, you must get a food service permit before opening, and your bakery must meet the same standards as any other retail food service. See Regulation 61-25 Retail Food Establishments for all general requirements.

Sell Baked Goods to Stores or Restaurants
If you plan to sell baked goods to permitted facilities like convenience stores or restaurants, then you will be regulated by and need to contact the S.C. Department of Agriculture for instructions and requirements.

Bale Sales and Weekend Home Bakers
No permit is needed if you do not possess a business license or advertise and in the case of weekend home bakers, only prepare nonpotentially hazardous breads and pastries for friends and neighbors.

Other Requirements

Home-Based Business

If you hope to operate your bakery out of your home, you must:

• Check with local zoning officials to see if you are allowed to operate a home business in your area.
• Meet the same requirements as any other retail food service, including a separate kitchen for baking
• Contact the S.C. Department of Agriculture for instructions and requirements if you plan to sell baked goods to permitted facilities like convenience stores and restaurants.