Cottage Food Laws

Understanding Cottage Food Laws What are Cottage Food Laws? Cottage food laws allow individuals to produce and sell certain low-risk food products from their home kitchens without requiring a commercial license. Permitted Foods (Generally): - Baked goods (breads, cookies, cakes) - Jams, jellies, and preserves - Candy and confections - Dried herbs and herb mixes - Granola and trail mix Restricted Foods (Typically Not Allowed): - Products requiring refrigeration - Meat and meat products - Canned vegetables and low-acid foods - Dairy products (except certain aged cheeses in some states) Requirements: 1. Products must be properly labeled with ingredients and allergen information 2. Sales limits vary by state (typically $15,000-$50,000 annually) 3. Products must be sold directly to consumers (not for resale) 4. Home kitchen must meet basic safety standards State-Specific Regulations: Cottage food laws vary significantly by state. Sellers must research and comply with their specific state regulations. For More Information: Contact your local health department or visit your state's department of agriculture website.