Cottage Food Laws Labeling: What Goes on Your Label

On this page

1. Start with your state rule
2. What some states put on the label
3. Check the food before the label

If you are still finding the rule that applies to you, start with Cottage Food Laws .com. For bakes that often need a closer look, see cottage food laws and eggs and cottage food laws and buttercream. The label is one part of the rule, not the whole rule.

Start with your state rule

The Association of Food and Drug Officials maintains a cottage food regulatory guidance page with state-specific laws and guidance covering licensing, food safety regulations, labeling requirements, and permissible homemade foods. California requires cottage food products to be labeled in accordance with specific state and federal labeling regulations. In Georgia, the Retail Food section of the Georgia Department of Agriculture regulates cottage food producers, also known as home-kitchen food producers.

What some states put on the label

Alabama’s Cottage Food Law requires that all labels include the name and address of the cottage food operation, a statement that the food is not inspected by the Health Department, and a list of the ingredients.

In Virginia, the product name must be on the front panel, must be an accurate description of the product, must be in bold print, and must be the largest type on the panel. Virginia’s basic labeling requirements list net weight as one of the required label elements. When an allergen is included in an ingredient in Virginia, the common key allergen word must be included on the label in the ingredient statement or in an allergen statement.

California’s labeling requirement points back to specific state and federal labeling regulations. That means the state cottage food guidance may not be the only labeling document you need to read.

1. 1

   Find your state guidance

   Use the cottage food guidance for the state where you sell.

2. 2

   Write down each required element

   List the product name, net weight, ingredients, allergen words, operation name and address, and any not inspected statement your state requires.

3. 3

   Check the permitted foods list

   Confirm that your bake is allowed as a cottage food before you plan a label for it.

4. 4

   Match the label to the bake

   Put the required product name, ingredients, and allergen words on the label for that specific food.

Check the food before the label

Labeling is only one part of cottage food law. Section 3.2-5130 of the Code of Virginia allows certain low-risk foods, acidified vegetables, and honey to be made from a private home without VDACS inspection, with certain restrictions. The Association of Food and Drug Officials guidance also covers permissible homemade foods, so confirm that your bake is allowed before you build a label around it.

Common questions

Do all states require the same cottage food label?

No. Labeling rules are state specific. The Association of Food and Drug Officials keeps state-specific cottage food guidance covering labeling requirements and permissible homemade foods.

What does Alabama require on a cottage food label?

Alabama's Cottage Food Law requires that all labels include the name and address of the cottage food operation, a statement that the food is not inspected by the Health Department, and a list of the ingredients.

What does Virginia require on a cottage food label?

In Virginia, the product name must be on the front panel, be an accurate description of the product, be in bold print, and be the largest type on the panel. Net weight is a required label element, and the common key allergen word must appear in the ingredient statement or an allergen statement.

Does a label make any homemade food legal to sell?

No. Cottage food guidance also covers permissible homemade foods. Check that your food is allowed before you sell it.

Where can I find my state's cottage food labeling rule?

Start with the Association of Food and Drug Officials cottage food guidance page, which covers state-specific laws and guidance. In Georgia, the Retail Food section of the Georgia Department of Agriculture regulates cottage food producers.

Sources

1. California Department of Public Health, Cottage Food Labeling Requirements
2. Alabama Public Health, Cottage Food Law
3. Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Labeling
4. Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Kitchen Bill FAQ
5. Association of Food and Drug Officials, Cottage Foods Laws and Guidance
6. Georgia Department of Agriculture, Cottage Food

General information, not legal advice. Confirm the current rule with your state agency before you sell.