Cottage food rules
Alabama Cottage Food Law Labels: What to Print
A plain checklist for the three pieces Alabama puts on a cottage food label, plus how to keep them on every package.
On this page
What to remember
- Your operation’s name and address go on the label.
- Your ingredient list goes on the label.
- The label needs a statement that the food is not inspected by the Health Department.
- Keep the same three pieces on every package you sell.
If you are getting your Alabama cottage food operation off the ground, labels can feel like one more thing on the list. Start with the three pieces the Alabama Department of Public Health lists, then build a label you can print again and again. The Alabama cottage food law application guide covers registration, so you can get that step moving while you work on your labels.
The three pieces Alabama asks for
Your operation's name and address
Put the name and address of your cottage food operation on the label. The Alabama Department of Public Health requires both on the label.
The ingredient list
List the ingredients in the food. The department requires an ingredient list on the label.
The not inspected statement
Add a statement that the food is not inspected by the Health Department. The department requires that statement on the label.
Keep the label plain and easy to read. Put the three pieces where a customer can see them without hunting for them. A simple label that carries the name, address, ingredient list, and statement is the place to start.
Build a label you can reuse
Make one label template and save it where you can find it on your phone or computer. Type your operation name and address, then the ingredient list, then the not inspected statement. Print a sheet of labels and keep them with your packaging. Before you print a big batch, check one label against the state page. Then print enough for the order you are packing. A spare sheet in your packaging box saves a rush on a busy day.
Common label mistakes
When your details change
If you move or change the address tied to your cottage food operation, your label needs the new address. If you change a recipe, your ingredient list needs to match. Update the template before the next sale, then print fresh labels. The Alabama cottage food law certification guide and the classes guide can help you keep the rest of your setup in order.
Common questions
What has to be on an Alabama cottage food label?
The label must include the name and address of your cottage food operation, a list of ingredients, and a statement that the food is not inspected by the Health Department.
Does the not inspected statement need to be on every label?
Yes. Alabama's cottage food law says all labels must include a statement that the food is not inspected by the Health Department.
Do I need to list ingredients on the label?
Yes. The Alabama Department of Public Health lists an ingredient list as a required part of cottage food labels.
What should I do if I change a recipe?
Update the ingredient list on your label template before you sell the next batch. The label needs to match the food in the package.
Where can I find the state's label rules?
The Alabama Department of Public Health cottage food page lists the label requirements. Check it before you print a new batch.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. Check the Alabama Department of Public Health cottage food page for current requirements before you print labels.