Cottage food rules
Ohio Cottage Food Labeling Rules for Home Bakers
A clear look at what Ohio asks you to label, and how to keep your home bakery in order.
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What to remember
- Every food product from a cottage food production operation needs a label.
- The label must include the information required by section 3715.023 of the Ohio Revised Code.
- Chapter 901:3-20 adds food information required by that chapter.
- A cottage food production operation makes food items at home that are not potentially hazardous foods.
If you run a cottage food production operation in Ohio, the label is not a nice extra. The rule names it as a duty. The Ohio Department of Agriculture also says the operation is required to label all of its food products properly. For the wider set of Ohio rules, see New Cottage Food Laws Ohio.
What Ohio requires on a cottage food label
Rule 901:3-20-02 is the administrative rule to start with. It requires a cottage food production operation to label each food product. It also requires the label to include the information mandated by section 3715.023 of the Revised Code. That is the core labeling duty in the rule.
Chapter 901:3-20 states that a cottage food production operation shall label each food product with the information mandated by section 3715.023 of the Revised Code, in addition to the food information required by that chapter. The statute itself is titled ‘Labels for cottage food production operation, processor, or beekeeper.’ It requires such operations to label each of their food products.
Where the label rule comes from
The Ohio Department of Agriculture explains that a Cottage Food Production Operation is defined in Chapter 3715 of the Ohio Revised Code as a person who, in the person’s home, produces food items that are not potentially hazardous foods. That definition is the starting point for the labeling duty. If your bakes use eggs, the egg guide is here: Ohio Cottage Food Laws and Eggs.
The statute is section 3715.023 of the Ohio Revised Code. Its title is ‘Labels for cottage food production operation, processor, or beekeeper.’ The statute requires such operations to label each of their food products. For frostings and fillings, see Ohio Cottage Food Laws: Buttercream and Frosting.
Keep your label records simple
Labeling is easier to manage when you keep the source texts and a note for each product in one place. Start with Rule 901:3-20-02, Chapter 901:3-20, and section 3715.023. Then write down the label information you use for each food product. The rule says each food product, so a new product means a new label note. Check that note before you sell.
The Ohio Department of Agriculture says a cottage food production operation is required to label all of its food products properly. A simple record habit helps you meet that duty without guessing. If a label question is not clear from the texts, ask the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The department publishes the cottage food page linked in the sources.
Common questions
Do I have to label every food product?
Yes. Rule 901:3-20-02 requires a cottage food production operation to label each food product. The Ohio Department of Agriculture also says the operation is required to label all of its food products properly.
What information must the label include?
The label must include the information mandated by section 3715.023 of the Ohio Revised Code. Chapter 901:3-20 also points to food information required by that chapter. Read both texts for the exact list.
Does the labeling rule apply to my home kitchen?
The rule applies to a cottage food production operation. The Ohio Department of Agriculture explains that this is a person who, in the person's home, produces food items that are not potentially hazardous foods.
Where can I read the Ohio labeling rule?
Rule 901:3-20-02 and Chapter 901:3-20 are in the Ohio Administrative Code at codes.ohio.gov. Section 3715.023 is in the Ohio Revised Code. The Ohio Department of Agriculture also has a cottage food page.
Is this legal advice?
No. This is general information for home bakers. For your situation, read the current Ohio texts and ask the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. For your situation, read the current Ohio texts and ask the Ohio Department of Agriculture.