Home-Based Food Business
In a number of states around the US, it is now possible to start a home bakery or other small food business from your own kitchen. Collectively known as Cottage Food Laws, these regulations are a huge benefit to small food businesses as it means that you don’t have to spend time or money renting commercial kitchen space. That being said, the Cottage Food Laws are passed on a state-by-state basis meaning that each state has a different set of rules and regulations. Information about running a home-based business is included in the following articles and below is a list of the Cottage Food Laws by state What follows are links to the Cottage Food Laws in each particular state so that you can do additional research based on your location to see if this is an option for you and, if so, what specific rules you will be required to follow. For additional information about Cottage Food Laws in your area please contact your local health department or Department of Agriculture.
- One Woman’s Fight To Change Lousiana’s Cottage Food Law
- The Most Populated US State Now Has A Cottage Food Law
- The Woman Behind Washington’s Cottage Food Law
- Cottage Food Laws Are A’ Changin’
- Starting A Home Based Food Business
- 6 Things Home Cooks Need To Know Before Starting A Cottage Food Business
- Interested In Starting A Food Business In Your Own Home Kitchen?
- New Laws May Allow For Home-Based Food Businesses
Start your home-based food business off right with the help of this comprehensive guide
Cottage Food Laws By State
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Massachusettes
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Mississippi – can only sell at Mississippi Farmers Markets. Contact Dept. of Ag for more information
- Missouri – contact your specific county and farmer’s market for more information as rules differ according to jurisdiction
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York – currently only available to members of farming communities
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virgina
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Cottage Food Laws are currently pending or initiatives are underway in the following states:
