🗝

Laws are created to protect both business & consumer.  As a business, the goal is to prevent unnecessary & in most circumstances, costly lawsuits. While as a consumer, you want to ensure that the products you buy are non hazardous, safe & made in a sanitary environment.

The Cottage Food Law allows individuals to sell certain products/foods made in home kitchens, as known as “cottage”, without having to obtain licensing, labeling requirements, use a commercial kitchen, or be subject to inspections by the state or local health departments.

Prohibited products you CANT sell:

(a few but not limited to)

❌Tinctures

Depending on the preparation method, Elderberry “syrup” is considered a juice or tincture. Both require refrigeration and CANNOT be a cottage food.

🔎Cottage food products are non-potentially hazardous foods that are unlikely to grow harmful bacteria or other toxic microorganisms at room temperature.

❌Fresh fruits dipped or coated in chocolate or similar confections

❌Cut fresh fruits and/or vegetables

❌Juices made from fresh fruits or vegetables

❌Ice or ice products

❌Beverages inclcuding but not limited to Lemonade, juices, hot chocolate 

What you CAN sell :

☑️Roasted coffee or dry tea

☑️Dehydrated fruit or vegetables, including dried beans

☑️Popcorn and popcorn snacks

☑️Dried herbs and dried herb mixtures

☑️Pastries, cookies, candy, coated and uncoated nuts

☑️Canned jams or jellies

☑️Fruit pies

⚠️Be aware that state rules prohibit advertising cottage products as having ANY health benefits. Aside from false advertising, you’d want to uphold integrity. Contact your local agencies to learn more about the Cottage Food Law as it pertains to your state & to obtain licensing/authorization requirements for a specific business activity at the federal, state and local level.