Rise in Online Food Sales Prompts Caution from Public Health Officials

by Contributor | April 30, 2026 6:49 pm

OSWEGO COUNTY – The Oswego County Health Department urges residents to be cautious when buying food online, noting a rise in cases where individuals are selling homemade food through social media platforms.

“Food businesses are required to obtain permits and undergo routine inspections,” said Oswego County Legislator Paul House, District 8, chairman of the Legislature’s Health Committee. “Purchasing food from unpermitted sources not only violates state regulations but also removes critical public health safeguards designed to prevent outbreaks of foodborne illness.”

The health department has identified a growing number of individuals advertising and selling homemade food items through social media platforms, including but not limited to full meals, meal preparation services, catered dishes, baked goods requiring refrigeration and specialty drink products. These types of foods require strict temperature control and safe handling practices that cannot be verified in an unpermitted home kitchen.

Oswego County Deputy Public Health Director Jodi Martin said, “Food prepared in unregulated private home kitchens can pose serious health risks to the public. Without consistent oversight and proper sanitation standards in place, people can’t be sure that what they’re eating was prepared safely. Consumers should be cautious when buying food online or from other informal sources; what may look appealing online can carry hidden risks.”

Unlike permitted food service establishments, home kitchens are not routinely inspected for proper food handling, sanitation, temperature control or cross-contamination prevention. This increases the risk of foodborne illnesses such as salmonella, E. coli and listeria, which can be especially dangerous for young children, older adults, pregnant individuals and those with weakened immune systems.

Martin added, “The health department cannot authorize any food preparation or service from private home kitchens where people prepare meals for themselves or their families due to New York State sanitary codes. However, depending on the type of food being made, some individuals may be eligible for a Home Processor Exemption through the state’s Department of Agriculture and Markets.”

Those making certain baked goods, jellies or snack mixes that do not require refrigeration may qualify for a Home Processor Exemption. This would allow them to prepare food in their home kitchen for wholesale or retail sale at agricultural venues such as farm stands, farmers’ markets, craft fairs and flea markets. To learn more about the Home Processor Exemption, go to New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ website at https://agriculture.ny.gov/food-safety/home-processing[1], call the agency at 518-457-4492 or email [email protected][2].

Those who wish to prepare food for public service must apply for a Food Service Establishment permit. According to state sanitary codes, they must use a separate kitchen for this purpose and not their home kitchen where food is prepared or served for personal or family consumption. Those interested in obtaining this permit can call the Oswego County Health Department’s Environmental Division at 315-349-3557 for more information.

Anyone who is found selling food items in their home kitchens without the proper exemption or permit may be subject to fines.

The Legislature’s Health Committee oversees the Health Department. In addition to Legislator House, committee members include Vice Chairman Roy E. Reehil, District 5; Gena Bartlett, District 24; Dorothy Caldwell, District 17; Richard Kline, District 12; Michael Solowy, District 23; and Lee B. Walker, Jr., District 15.

For more information about food service safety and requirements, visit https://health.oswegocountyny.gov/programs/environmental1/foodservice_safety.php[3] or call the Oswego County Health Department Environmental Division at 315-349-3557.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/rise-in-online-food-sales-prompts-caution-from-public-health-officials/

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