![]() ![]() Alabama Cottage Food LawĪlabama requires that each cottage food item sold must have a label. If your state is not listed, you can obtain information from your local county extension office or the county health department for laws regarding making and selling cottage foods. An overview of some of the states will show how each region’s regulations may differ completely.īelow, find a sampling of the cottage food laws in several states. Some state laws have strict income limitations, permitted foods and other requirements, while others are more liberal. The Department of Health of each state generally oversees the cottage food businesses, along with the department of agriculture in some cases. The production and sales of processed food are governed by state and federal regulations. They can usually direct you to the agency that oversees cottage food laws and can help you apply for a license. These laws vary from state to state, and sometimes even from county to county, which means you should contact your local health department to confirm that you can operate within the boundaries of cottage food law. Some states require a statement that the food was prepared in an un-inspected kitchen. ![]() Your business's name, address, and phone number, as well as any other contact information.Typically, you will have to have the following information appear on your label: Your food will need to be in a package of some type with a label. In addition to following your state's cottage food laws, you will also have to follow their requirements for labeling your cottage food. It's a bad idea to try, because if you're caught, you could face thousands of dollars in fines, or even jail time, depending on the seriousness of the infraction. These numbers range from $2,500 to $250,000, while other states have done away with income caps completely.Īt this point, you may be wondering how to get around cottage food laws. There is also a limit to how much money you can make selling cottage foods in a year. Many states do require a business license, cottage food license or permit, which requires you to fill out a cottage food license application and submit to a kitchen health inspection. In general, cottage food must be sold directly to the customer, no middleman involved. None of the states allow you to ship your food out of state, but that doesn't mean you can't sell it on the Internet to local folks. A few states do allow it, but most do not. In most states, you cannot sell your cottage food to businesses such as restaurants or grocery stores. Dry mixes, granola, nut mixes, popcorn, other dry snacks.Cakes, cookies, and baked goods that require no refrigeration.Cottage Food ListĬottage foods vary from state to state, but they typically include the following: In certain states, you will require a cottage food permit or a cottage food license and domestic kitchen license before you can start a cottage food business. They determine the type of food, what to sell, where to sell and how much you can sell per year. What Are Cottage Food Laws?Ĭottage food laws are laws set by each state to regulate these at-home food businesses. These foods are typically the type that will not spoil without refrigeration and may include certain canned goods. Preparation of these foods is regulated by cottage food laws rather than commercial restaurant and health laws.Ĭottage Food Meaning: Cottage foods are food produced by someone in small batches that are offered to the public in places such as farmers markets, special events, out of their home, or on a roadside stand. Examples include low-risk foods like baked goods, vinegar and spice blends. They are non-potentially hazardous foods made in a private kitchen and do not require time or temperature for safety. Generally, cottage foods are foods made in a person’s home and sold directly to an informed consumer. Preparing food from the comfort of your home for sale is a quick and cost-effective route to put your cooking skills to work while benefiting from the fast-growing market. The relative ease and few resources needed to set up a cottage food business compared to a commercial food business have made it an attraction to many. The U.S cottage food market has grown from a value of $5 billion in 2008 to an estimated $20 billion in 2019 and is still increasing. The good news is that many states have what is commonly called a cottage food law that enables small food producers to create products out of their kitchens and sell them. Have you ever heard someone say that you should go into business with your special recipe? Maybe you've been thinking about selling your food to the public. ![]()
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