Question 1

How To Start A Cottage Food Business?

Accepted Answer

To start your cottage food business in your State, always contact your local city / county office and verify if a business license is required prior to starting. This is simply done by calling the main number to your city and letting them know you are starting a cottage food business and ask if you need a business license.

Check about your specific State here... Check Your State

Question 2

Cottage Food Labeling Requirements

Accepted Answer

All food items packaged in a domestic kitchen must be properly labeled prior to sale. The requirements vary from State to State.

Check about your specific State here... Check Your State

Question 3

What Is Considered Cottage Food?

Accepted Answer

Cottage food are the foods, deserts, breads, jams, jellies among others – that you can legally cook, bake and prepare from your kitchen and then sell to the general public.

See all details here... Allowed Foods

Question 4

Where Can I Sell My Cottage Foods?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your state laws, you may be able to sell your cottage foods to retail stores as well as individuals. However, some states only allow you to sell the products you made in your home kitchen to individuals or businesses – but never for retail. If you live in a state that is more restrictive of sales, this means that the person you sell to can NOT re-sale your product.

To find out what your state allows, check here... Check My State Rules

Question 5

Acidity Levels And Testing

Accepted Answer

Most states determine if a food is non-potentially hazardous by the acidity level found in the food. The higher the acidity, the more stable at a range of temps, that food product is. For example: milk is low acidity and requires temperature controls.

Check about your specific State here... Check My State Rules

Illinois Cottage Food Laws

Illinois Cottage Food Laws