Homebased Microprocessing: Mercer Co

Homebased Microprocessors may sell higher risk products such as canned tomatoes, pickled fruits and vegetables, salsas, barbecue sauce, pepper or herb jellies, herbal vinegars, low- or no-sugar jams and jellies, and pressure-canned vegetables.  The first step to becoming certified as a Homebased Microprocessor is to attend a Homebased Microprocessor (HBM) workshop presented by the University of Kentucky.  The cost of the workshop is $50.00.  Next, recipes for all products to be sold under the program must be submitted to the University of Kentucky for approval, at a fee of $5.00 per recipe.  Proof of workshop completion, approved recipes, draft labels for all products, and verification of an approved water source are then attached to the application for HBM certification and sent to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services/Food Safety Branch, along with a $50.00 certification fee. Once full HBM certification is received from the Food Safety Branch, it is up to the Homebased Microprocessor to follow approved recipes and recommended safe canning procedures in producing their value-added products.  The $50.00 certification fee must be paid to the Food Safety Branch each year that the Homebased Microprocessor wishes to sell under the program.  Questions should be directed to Annhall Norris at 859-257-1812 or annhall.norris@uky.edu.