Understanding Cottage Food Laws
A guide for home bakers operating legally
📋 Important Legal Clarification
Bakery.net is a marketplace platform.
- We do not bake, package, or deliver any goods
- We are not the merchant of record for any orders
- All transactions are between the buyer and the baker
- Payments are processed securely via Stripe
Each baker is solely responsible for following their local cottage food and food-handler laws.
What Are Cottage Food Laws?
Cottage food laws allow home bakers to legally produce and sell certain low-risk foods from their home kitchen without requiring a commercial kitchen license. These laws vary significantly by state.
Most states allow home production of baked goods like cookies, cakes, breads, and pastries, but each state has specific requirements for registration, labeling, sales limits, and allowed products.
Find Your State's Requirements
Cottage food laws change frequently and vary by state. The best way to find current, accurate information:
🔍 Search Google for:
Look for official .gov websites from your state's Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, or similar agency.
Common Requirements Across States
While specific requirements vary, most cottage food laws include:
Typically Required:
- •Product labeling with ingredients and allergens
- •"Made in a home kitchen" disclaimer on labels
- •Registration or permit with state/county
- •Food safety training or certification
- •Annual sales limits (typically $25k-$250k)
- •Direct-to-consumer sales only (no wholesale)
Typically Allowed:
- ✓Baked goods (cookies, cakes, breads)
- ✓Jams, jellies, preserves
- ✓Dry mixes and granola
- ✓Candy and confections
Typically Prohibited:
- ✗Cream-filled pastries
- ✗Fresh produce or meat
- ✗Refrigerated items
Helpful Resources
🌐 General Information:
- Cottage Food Laws Database - Independent resource for all states
- FDA Food Safety - Federal food safety guidelines
📚 Recommended Steps:
- Search for your state's official cottage food regulations
- Determine if you need a permit or registration
- Complete any required food safety training
- Create proper product labels with required information
- Understand your state's sales limits and restrictions
- Keep records of all sales for tax purposes
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only. Bakery.net does not provide legal advice and does not verify, endorse, or guarantee compliance with any regulations.
Laws change frequently and enforcement varies by jurisdiction. You are solely responsible for understanding and following all applicable food safety, labeling, licensing, and business regulations in your area. When in doubt, consult with your local health department or a legal professional.