Cottage food rules
What Is Cottage Food Law in Michigan?
A clear look at what Michigan's cottage food exemption lets you do, and what it does not.
On this page
What to remember
- Licensing and inspection provisions do not apply to a cottage food operation.
- Labeling and other Food Law rules still apply.
- Sell direct to the consumer only.
- No internet, mail order, consignment, or wholesale.
- A 2025 law changed certain cottage food requirements.
If you are just starting, it helps to see the whole path. How to apply for cottage food law walks through the steps, and license to sell baked goods from home explains when a license is part of the picture.
What the exemption covers
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development says the Food Law exempts cottage food operations from licensing and inspection provisions. That is the core of the cottage food law. The exemption is not a pass on every rule. The same source says a cottage food operation must comply with labeling and the other provisions in the Michigan Food Law.
Section 4102 of the Michigan Food Law is the section that addresses the cottage food operation exemption from licensing and evaluation provisions. It also addresses requirements, a registration program, and the MSU Product Center.
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Labeling and the address rule
Labeling is where the exemption still asks something of you. The Michigan Food Law requires a cottage food operation to comply with labeling. The statute says a cottage food operation does not have to include the address of the operation on a label if both specified conditions are met. Check the exact conditions in the statute before you print labels.
What changed in 2025
House Bill 4122 of 2025 became Public Act 51 of 2025. It modifies certain requirements for cottage food operations and cottage food products. The act amends sections 1105, 1111, and 4102 of 2000 PA 92, which is the Michigan Food Law.
If you are weighing a licensed path, how much is a home bakery license gives you the cost picture. If you stay under the cottage food exemption, read the current statute first because the 2025 changes may affect what you print and how you sell.
The $250 per unit rule
The statute has a special rule for higher priced items. If a cottage food operation sells cottage food products at a price of $250.00 or more per unit, the statute sets a limit on the gross sales of cottage food products by the operation. Check the current statute for the exact limit before you plan a high priced bake.
What this means for your baking business
If you want to sell at a market, from your porch, or to a neighbor, the direct to consumer rule is the one to keep in front of you. A website order shipped in the mail is not a direct sale under the statute. The statute prohibits sales by consignment or at wholesale. If a shop wants to resell your bakes, check the statute before you agree.
Keep your sales direct, and keep your labels in line with the Food Law. The exemption covers licensing and inspection, not labeling. That is the simple split to remember when you plan your next bake sale or market table.
Common questions
Do I need a license for cottage food in Michigan?
The Michigan Food Law exempts cottage food operations from licensing and inspection provisions. You still must comply with labeling and the other provisions in the Michigan Food Law.
Can I sell my cottage food products online?
No. Cottage food products may be sold directly from the cottage food operation to the consumer only. The statute says they may not be sold by internet or mail order.
Can I sell wholesale or on consignment?
No. Sales of cottage food products by consignment or at wholesale are prohibited.
What changed in 2025?
House Bill 4122 of 2025, Public Act 51 of 2025, modifies certain requirements for cottage food operations and cottage food products. It amends sections 1105, 1111, and 4102 of the Michigan Food Law.
Do I have to put my address on the label?
A cottage food operation does not have to include the address on a label if both specified conditions are met. Check the statute for the exact conditions.
Is there a sales limit?
If a cottage food operation sells cottage food products at a price of $250.00 or more per unit, the statute sets a limit on gross sales. Check the current statute for the exact limit.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. Cottage food rules can change. Check the current Michigan Food Law or ask the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development before you sell.