Cottage Food Label Requirements by State

Cottage food label requirements are set by each state, and they differ more than most home bakers expect: the exact words of the cottage food statement, its minimum type size, whether you need a permit number, and whether a PO box will do. This guide lists the cottage food labeling requirements of all 50 states and Washington, DC, taken from each state's own statutes, rules and agency pages, with a link to make the label for that state.

Every state section below comes from the same rules as the free cottage food label maker, which checks your label against them as you type. Before publishing, our tests laid out all 8 of its label templates for every state and program below and checked each label against that state's rules. For reference only. Rules change; check with your state or county before printing.

What every cottage food label needs

Most states ask for the same parts as a federal food label. Of the 51 jurisdictions, 26 ask for all five:

• Product name: what the food is, such as "Chocolate Chip Cookies".
• Ingredients: every ingredient in descending order of weight, with sub-ingredients.
• Net quantity: the weight, volume or count, in US units (some states want metric too).
• Allergens: the major food allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and sesame).
• Name and address: your business name and address, in the form your state asks for.

The rest ask for fewer; their sections list exactly what is needed. On top of these parts, most states add a statement that the food was made in a home kitchen, and some add a permit number, the date made or a phone number.

The cottage food statement

46 of the 51 give a cottage food statement for their main program, and 42 require it. 40 of those fix the exact words, so you must copy them letter for letter; the others give only the meaning. 20 set a minimum type size, from 10 to 12 pt. Idaho and Nebraska and North Dakota also let the statement go on a sign where the food is sold. Where a state gives the wording, the sections below quote it exactly.

How to use this list

• Find your state below and check the statement, the parts the label needs and any notes.
• 9 states have more than one program (for example a licensed and an unlicensed one); each program is listed separately.
• Foods that need refrigeration, pickled foods and home-canned foods often have extra requirements, listed under the program.
• Every section links to its sources and the date they were checked. Rules change, so confirm with your state or county before printing a large batch.

Jump to your state

Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming

Alabama

Statement: "Products are not inspected by the Health Department"

Exact wording: print it as it is. Whole label 10 pt or larger.

Also add a line saying: "May contain allergens."

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Name and address

Good to know:

• Every required item, not only the statement, must be at least 10 pt. Alabama also asks for a note that the food may contain allergens; the words are up to you.

Sources: Code of Ala. 1975 § 22-20-5.1(e); ADPH Review Form for Cottage Foods Producer (Rev. 6/7/24) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Alabama

Alaska

Statement: "This food was made in a home kitchen, is not regulated or inspected, except for meat and meat products, and may contain allergens."

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Name and address
• Phone number

Optional: Business license number (if you have one)

Good to know:

• Alaska asks only for your name, address, phone, any business license number and the statement. Ingredients and net weight are not required by the state.

Sources: AS 17.20.332(e) (HB 251, from 2024-07-01) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Alaska

Arizona

Statement: "This product was produced in a home kitchen that may come in contact with common food allergens and pet allergens and is not subject to public health inspection."

Exact wording: print it as it is.

Also print this line: "To obtain additional information about cottage foods or to report a foodborne illness, go to azdhs.gov/Cottagefood"

The label also needs:

• Ingredients
• Name and address
• Registration or permit number
• Date made

Good to know:

• Arizona identifies you by your permit number, so the label needs no address.
• The website line is part of every label. The package also needs a tamper-evident seal (the label may be it).

Sources: A.R.S. § 36-932(A) (HB 2042, from 2024-09-14); A.A.C. R9-8-101.02(C) (31 A.A.R. 9, 2025) (checked 2026-10-07).

Make a cottage food label for Arizona

Arkansas

Statement: "This product was produced in a private residence that is exempt from state licensing and inspection. This product may contain allergens."

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Name and address
• Date made
• Phone number

Good to know:

• Your ID No. may replace your name, address and phone.
• A Department of Agriculture ID number may replace your name, address and phone. Pickled and acidified foods also need a batch number.

Pickled or acidified: also lot or batch number

Sources: Ark. Code Ann. § 20-57-505 (Act 1040 of 2021) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Arkansas

California

Statement: "Made in a Home Kitchen"

Exact wording: print it as it is. 12 pt or larger. Front panel. US and metric units.

Also accepted: "Repackaged in a Home Kitchen"

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address
• Registration or permit number
• County

Good to know:

• Ads and online listings also show your county, permit or registration number and the statement. From July 1, 2026, quality dates use "BEST if Used by" or "USE by".

Sources: Cal. Health & Safety Code 114365.2; CDPH Labeling Requirements for Cottage Food Products (Rev. 1/2025) (checked 2026-10-07). Read from the Internet Archive copy of the official page.

Make a cottage food label for California

Colorado

Statement: "This product was produced in a home kitchen that is not subject to state licensure or inspection and that may also process common food allergens such as tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, wheat, milk, fish, and crustacean shellfish. This product is not intended for resale."

Exact wording: print it as it is.

From 2027-01-01, Colorado changes what the label shows. See the note below.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Name and address
• Date made
• Phone number or email

Good to know:

• Colorado asks for your street address.
• From January 1, 2027 (HB 26-1033), the label shows your registration number and county instead of your address, plus the department website.

Sources: C.R.S. § 25-4-1614(3) (2026) (checked 2026-10-07).

Make a cottage food label for Colorado

Connecticut

Statement: "Made in a Cottage Food Operation that is not Subject to Routine Government Food Safety Inspection."

Exact wording: print it as it is. 10 pt or larger. Clear contrast. US and metric units.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• Net weight or volume with the metric equivalent.

Sources: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-62g; DCP Cottage Food Label Checklist (March 18, 2026) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Connecticut

Delaware

Delaware has 2 programs; the tool lets you switch between them.

Cottage food establishment (DPH)

Statement: "This food is made in a Cottage Food Establishment and is NOT subject to routine Government Food Safety Inspections"

Exact wording: print it as it is. Whole label 10 pt or larger. Clear contrast.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address
• Phone number or email
• Date made or lot number

Good to know:

• Delaware labels show "town or city, Delaware" instead of a street address.
• Every part of the label must be at least 10 pt. Show the date made or a lot number.

On-farm home processing (DDA)

Statement: "This product is home-produced and processed"

Exact wording: print it as it is. 10 pt or larger.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Name and address
• Date made

Good to know:

• The Department of Agriculture program for farms: the statement in 10 pt type and the date the product was processed.

Sources: 16 DE Admin. Code 4458A § 8.2; 3 DE Admin. Code 101 § 9.1 (on-farm home processing) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Delaware

District of Columbia

Statement: "Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to the District of Columbia's food safety regulations."

Exact wording: print it as it is. 10 pt or larger. Clear contrast.

Also accepted: "Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to the District of Columbia’s food safety regulations"; "MADE BY A COTTAGE FOOD BUSINESS THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA’S FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS"

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address
• Registration or permit number

Good to know:

• You may print your ID No. instead of your street address.

Sources: D.C. Code § 7-742.02(c)(2); 25-K DCMR § 104.2-104.3 (D.C. Register, Dec. 29, 2017) (checked 2026-10-07).

Make a cottage food label for District of Columbia

Florida

Statement: "Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Florida’s food safety regulations."

Exact wording: print it as it is. 10 pt or larger. Clear contrast.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Sources: Fla. Stat. 500.80(3) (2026) (checked 2026-10-07).

Make a cottage food label for Florida

Georgia

Statement: "This product was produced at a residential property that is exempt from state inspection. This product may contain allergens."

Exact wording: print it as it is. 10 pt or larger. Clear contrast.

Also accepted: "MADE IN A COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO STATE FOOD SAFETY INSPECTIONS."; "This product was produced at a residential property that is exempt from state inspection. This product may contain allergens. MADE IN A COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO STATE FOOD SAFETY INSPECTIONS."

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address
• Phone number

Good to know:

• You may print your ID No. instead of your street address.
• Georgia law (HB 398) set this statement in 2025, but the old rule and the department FAQ still show "MADE IN A COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO STATE FOOD SAFETY INSPECTIONS.", and the department asks operators to follow the old rule until a new one is adopted. Printing both meets both.

Sources: O.C.G.A. 26-2-473 (HB 398, from 2025-07-01); Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 40-7-19-.09 (checked 2026-10-07). Read from the Internet Archive copy of the official page.

Make a cottage food label for Georgia

Hawaii

Hawaii has 2 programs; the tool lets you switch between them.

Homemade food

Statement: "Made in a home kitchen not routinely inspected by the Department of Health"

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• Hawaii asks for a way to reach you: an address, a phone number or an email.

Hand-pounded poi

Statement: "This hand-pounded poi was prepared in a facility not inspected by the Department of Health"

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Name and address

Good to know:

• Hawaii asks for a way to reach you: an address, a phone number or an email.
• Hand-pounded poi is sold directly to the consumer only.

Sources: HAR 11-50-35(c)(4), (5) (2025-08-24) (checked 2026-10-07).

Make a cottage food label for Hawaii

Idaho

Statement: "This product is not subject to government food safety inspection or licensing requirements. It may contain allergens."

Exact wording: print it as it is. Label or sign.

The label also needs:

• Ingredients
• Name and address

Good to know:

• Idaho asks for a way to reach you: an address, a phone number or an email.
• The notice may be on a sign, the label, or a card given to the buyer.

Needs refrigeration: also storage and handling instructions in your own words

Sources: Idaho Code 37-205(3)-(4) (S 1283, from 2026-03-20) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Idaho

Illinois

Statement: "This product was produced in a home kitchen not inspected by a health department that may also process common food allergens. If you have safety concerns, contact your local health department."

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address
• Registration or permit number
• County
• Date made

Good to know:

• Also post a sign where you sell (8 × 10 in or larger) and the same notice in your online shop.

Sources: 410 ILCS 625/4 (P.A. 104-417) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Illinois

Indiana

Indiana has 2 programs; the tool lets you switch between them.

Home based vendor

Statement: "This product is home produced and processed and the production area has not been inspected by the Indiana Department of Health. NOT FOR RESALE."

Exact wording: print it as it is. 10 pt or larger.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Name and address
• Date made

Good to know:

• Unpackaged food: show this on a sign. Post each label on your website.

Homestead vendor or small farm

Statement: "This product was produced by a homestead vendor or the owner of a small farm that is exempt from government licensing and inspection."

Exact wording: print it as it is. 10 pt or larger.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• Unpackaged food: show this on a sign.

Sources: IC 16-42-5.3-5; HEA 1424 (2026), IC 16-42-5.4-7 (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Indiana

Iowa

Iowa has 2 programs; the tool lets you switch between them.

Cottage food (no license)

Statement: "This product was produced at a residential property that is exempt from state licensing and inspection."

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• Iowa asks for a way to reach you: an address, a phone number or an email.

Home-canned: also date made

Home food processing establishment (licensed)

Statement: "This product was produced at a home food processing establishment."

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• Iowa asks for the name of your establishment; the label needs no address.
• Licensed home food processing establishments: the name of the establishment, no address needed. Refrigerated foods also need a use-by date based on food safety.

Needs refrigeration: also use-by date (refrigerated foods)

Sources: Iowa Code 137F.20(2); Iowa Code 137D.2(7) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Iowa

Kansas

Kansas has 2 programs; the tool lets you switch between them.

Direct sales (no license)

Kansas does not ask for a cottage food statement on the label.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Name and address

Good to know:

• Kansas has no home kitchen statement. Label packaged food with its name and your name and address.

Honey sold through stores

Statement: "Product not subject to routine inspection by the Kansas department of agriculture."

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Net quantity
• Name and address

Good to know:

• For honey and honeycomb from your own Kansas hives sold through stores (2026 law): a "honey" or "honeycomb" name, your name, address and ZIP code, the net weight and this disclaimer.

Sources: KDA, Food Sales at Farmers' Markets & Similar Locations; 2026 Kan. Sess. Laws ch. 84 (HB 2158) § 1(b)(2) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Kansas

Kentucky

Statement: "This product is home-produced and processed"

Exact wording: print it as it is. Exactly 10 pt.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address
• Date made

Good to know:

• The statute says "in ten (10) point type", so use 10 pt for the statement.

Sources: KRS 217.136(3) (2026) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Kentucky

Louisiana

Statement: "This food was not produced in a licensed or regulated facility."

Louisiana gives only the meaning, not the words. This is our suggested wording; you may reword it.

Sources: La. R.S. 40:4.9(D)(1) (Act 801 of 2026) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Louisiana

Maine

Maine does not ask for a cottage food statement on the label.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Name and address

Good to know:

• Maine home food manufacturers are licensed and inspected, so there is no statement. Food sold directly from the home needs no label.

Sources: 01-001 CMR ch. 345 § 7 (checked 2026-10-07). Read from the Internet Archive copy of the official page.

Make a cottage food label for Maine

Maryland

Statement: "Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to Maryland’s food safety regulations."

Exact wording: print it as it is. 10 pt or larger. Clear contrast.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• You may print your ID No. instead of your street address.
• Selling through a retail store: add your phone, email and the date made, and send the label to the Maryland Department of Health.

Sold through a store or another seller: also phone number, email address, date made

Sources: Md. Code, Health-General § 21-330.1(c)-(d) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Maryland

Massachusetts

Massachusetts does not ask for a cottage food statement on the label.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• Massachusetts home kitchens are permitted and inspected by the local board of health, which may add its own rules.

Sources: MA DPH, Retail Food Code Standards for Permitted Residential Kitchens (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Massachusetts

Michigan

Statement: "Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan department of agriculture and rural development."

Exact wording: print it as it is. 11 pt or larger. Clear contrast. US and metric units.

Also accepted: "Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development"

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• Michigan asks for your street address.
• No PO box: use the address where the food is made.
• You may print your Registration or permit number instead of your street address.
• The statute prints the department name in lowercase; the MDARD website capitalizes it. Capitals or mixed case are both accepted.

Sources: MCL 289.4102 (2025 PA 51, from 2026-03-24); MDARD Cottage Food Labeling (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Michigan

Minnesota

Statement: "These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection."

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Ingredients
• Allergens
• Name and address
• Date made

Good to know:

• You may print your Registration or permit number instead of your street address.
• Show the same statement on a sign where you sell and on your website.

Sources: Minn. Stat. § 28A.152 (checked 2026-10-07).

Make a cottage food label for Minnesota

Mississippi

Statement: "Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Mississippi's food safety regulations."

Exact wording: print it as it is. 10 pt or larger. Clear contrast.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Sources: Miss. Code Ann. § 75-29-951(3)(g) (HB 326, 2020) (checked 2026-10-07).

Make a cottage food label for Mississippi

Missouri

Statement: "This food is not inspected by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services or the local health department."

Missouri gives only the meaning, not the words. This is our suggested wording; you may reword it.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Sources: RSMo 196.298.4 (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Missouri

Montana

Statement: "Made in a home kitchen that is not subject to retail food establishment regulations or inspections."

Exact wording: print it as it is. 11 pt or larger. Front panel. Clear contrast.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• Montana asks for your street address.

Sources: MCA 50-50-116(2)(b) (2025) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Montana

Nebraska

Statement: "This food was prepared in a kitchen that is not subject to regulation and inspection by the regulatory authority and may contain allergens."

Exact wording: print it as it is. Recommended, not required. Sign where you sell.

The label also needs:

• Name and address

Good to know:

• Nebraska asks for your street address.
• No PO box: use the address where the food is made.
• Nebraska asks for this notice on a sign where you sell and on your website and ads. On the label it is optional; the label needs your name and street address.

Needs refrigeration: also ingredients

Sources: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 81-2,280(5)-(6); Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Cottage Food Registration (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Nebraska

Nevada

Statement: "MADE IN A COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT FOOD SAFETY INSPECTION"

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• Nevada asks for the federal label rules in full, including Nutrition Facts unless the food is exempt.

Sources: NRS 580.600(1) (SB 466, from 2025-07-01) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Nevada

New Hampshire

Statement: "This product is exempt from New Hampshire licensing and inspection."

Exact wording: print it as it is. 10 pt or larger. Clear contrast.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Allergens
• Name and address
• Phone number
• Date made or lot number

Good to know:

• New Hampshire asks for a street or email address, and a phone number.

Sources: RSA 143-A:12, V; He-P 2310.01(d) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for New Hampshire

New Jersey

Statement: "This food is prepared pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:24-11 in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Department of Health."

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Allergens
• Name and address
• Registration or permit number
• Your full name

Good to know:

• New Jersey labels show your municipality followed by "NJ", not a street address.
• Print the statement word for word, with nothing added, removed or changed. At sales away from home, also show it on a placard.

Sources: N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.4 (checked 2026-10-07).

Make a cottage food label for New Jersey

New Mexico

Statement: "This product is home produced and is exempt from state licensing and inspection. This product may contain allergens."

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Name and address
• Phone number
• Email address

Good to know:

• New Mexico asks for your street address.

Sources: NMSA 1978 25-12-3 (HB 177, 2021) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for New Mexico

New York

Statement: "Made in a Home Kitchen"

Exact wording: print it as it is. Recommended, not required.

Also accepted: "Made at Home by {business}"; "Made in the Home Kitchen of {business}"

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• New York asks for your street address.
• New York suggests the statement but does not require it.

Sources: NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Home Processing (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for New York

North Carolina

North Carolina does not ask for a cottage food statement on the label.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• North Carolina asks for your street address.
• North Carolina home processors are inspected and follow the federal label rules; there is no statement.

Sources: NCDA&CS, Home Processor; NCDA&CS, Application for Home Processor Inspection (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for North Carolina

North Dakota

Statement: "This product is made in a home kitchen that is not inspected by the state or local health department."

Exact wording: print it as it is. Label or sign.

Good to know:

• The statement may go on a sign where you sell instead of on the label.

Needs refrigeration: also storage and handling instructions in your own words

Sources: N.D.C.C. 23-09.5-02 (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for North Dakota

Ohio

Statement: "This product is home produced."

Exact wording: print it as it is. 10 pt or larger. US and metric units.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Sources: Ohio Rev. Code 3715.023; OAC 901:3-20-02 (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Ohio

Oklahoma

Statement: "This product was produced in a private residence that is exempt from government licensing and inspection."

Exact wording: print it as it is. Whole label 10 pt or larger.

From 2026-11-01, Oklahoma requires this wording: "This product was produced in a facility that is exempt from government licensing and inspection."

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Allergens
• Name and address
• Phone number

Good to know:

• Oklahoma asks for your street address.
• Your Registration or permit number may replace your name, address and phone.
• An ODAFF registration number may replace your name, phone and address. Every required item must be at least 10 pt.

Sources: 2 O.S. 5-4.3 (HB 2975, 2024) (checked 2026-10-07).

Make a cottage food label for Oklahoma

Oregon

Statement: "This product is homemade, is not prepared in an inspected food establishment and must be stored and displayed separately if merchandised by a retailer."

Exact wording: print it as it is. Front panel. US and metric units.

Also accepted: "This product is homemade, is not prepared in an inspected food establishment, and must be stored and displayed separately if merchandised by a retailer."

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address
• Phone number
• Pets in the home

Good to know:

• No PO box: use the address where the food is made.
• You may print your ODA UIN instead of your street address.
• If pets live in your home, the label must say so and name them (cat, dog, rabbit).

Sources: ORS 616.723(6), (7); OAR 603-025-0325; OAR 603-025-0325 (Cornell LII copy); ODA Cottage Food Exemption FAQ (March 2026) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Oregon

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania does not ask for a cottage food statement on the label.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• Pennsylvania limited food establishments are registered and inspected, so there is no statement. The net weight goes in the bottom third of the front, 8 pt or larger.

Sources: PDA Limited Food Establishment Registration packet (10-2024) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

Statement: "Made by a Cottage Food Business Registrant that is not Subject to Routine Government Food Safety Inspection"

Exact wording: print it as it is. 10 pt or larger. Clear contrast.

The label also needs:

• Ingredients
• Allergens
• Name and address
• Phone number

Sources: R.I. Gen. Laws 21-27-6.2 (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Rhode Island

South Carolina

Statement: "PROCESSED AND PREPARED BY A HOME-BASED FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS."

Exact wording: print it as it is. All capitals. Clear contrast. US and metric units.

Also accepted: "NOT FOR RESALE PROCESSED AND PREPARED BY A HOME-BASED FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS."

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• South Carolina asks for your street address.
• You may print your ID No. instead of your street address.
• S.C. Code 46-57-20 prints "NOT FOR RESALE" before the statement; the Department of Agriculture, which enforces the law, uses the version without it. Its guidance also asks for the street address (or your SCDA ID number) and the net contents in US and metric units.

Sources: S.C. Code 44-1-143(D); SCDA Home-based Food Production Law Guidance v1.4 (2025) (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for South Carolina

South Dakota

Statement: "This product was not produced in a commercial kitchen. It has been home-processed in a kitchen that may also process common food allergens such as tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, wheat, milk, fish, and crustacean shellfish."

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Name and address
• Phone number
• Date made
• Mailing address

Good to know:

• South Dakota asks for your street address.
• Show both the address where the food is made and your mailing address.

Needs refrigeration: also storage and handling instructions in your own words

Sources: SDCL 34-18-37 (checked 2026-10-07).

Make a cottage food label for South Dakota

Tennessee

Statement: "This product was produced at a private residence that is exempt from state licensing and inspection. This product may contain allergens."

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Name and address
• Phone number

Good to know:

• Tennessee asks for your street address.
• Unpackaged food: show this on a placard. Sold only online: on the web page.

Sources: T.C.A. § 53-1-118(b) (2022 Pub. Acts ch. 862) (checked 2026-10-07). Read from the Internet Archive copy of the official page.

Make a cottage food label for Tennessee

Texas

Statement: "THIS PRODUCT WAS PRODUCED IN A PRIVATE RESIDENCE THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENTAL LICENSING OR INSPECTION."

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• You may print your DSHS ID No. instead of your street address.
• Texas asks only for your name and address (or DSHS ID), the product name, allergens and the statement. The old rule (25 TAC 229.661) still shows the wording used before 2025; the statute is what counts.

Needs refrigeration: also date made, required words, at least 12 pt: "SAFE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS: To prevent illness from bacteria, keep this food refrigerated or frozen until the food is prepared for consumption."

Pickled or acidified: also lot or batch number

Sold through a store or another seller: also date made

Sources: Tex. Health & Safety Code ch. 437 (SB 541, from 2025-09-01) (checked 2026-10-07).

Make a cottage food label for Texas

Utah

Utah has 2 programs; the tool lets you switch between them.

Cottage food (registered)

Statement: "Home Produced"

Exact wording: print it as it is. 12 pt or larger. Front panel. Bold. US and metric units.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address
• Phone number

Good to know:

• "Home Produced" in bold, 12 pt, on the front. Every other required item at least 1/16 in.

Homemade Food Act

Statement: "NOT FOR RESALE. PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE OR LOCAL INSPECTION."

Utah gives only the meaning, not the words. This is our suggested wording; you may reword it.

The label also needs:

• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• The law asks the label to say the food is not for resale and was made without state or local inspection, and to list the common allergens it contains or was near. This wording follows the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food sample.

Sources: Utah Admin. Code R70-560-6; Utah Code 4-5a-104 (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Utah

Vermont

Statement: "Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Vermont Department of Health."

Exact wording: print it as it is. 10 pt or larger. Clear contrast.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• Vermont asks for your street address.
• No PO box: use the address where the food is made.

Sources: Vermont Manufactured Food Rule § 6.2.1.1 (from 2026-01-15) (checked 2026-10-07).

Make a cottage food label for Vermont

Virginia

Virginia has 2 programs; the tool lets you switch between them.

Private home

Statement: "NOT FOR RESALE — PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION."

Exact wording: print it as it is. Front panel.

Also accepted: "NOT FOR RESALE PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION."; "NOT FOR RESALE — PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION"

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address
• Phone number
• Date made

Good to know:

• The code website shows the statement without the dash since the 2026 amendment; the act and earlier copies have the dash, and VDACS prints it with the dash but no final period.

Honey from your own hives

Statement: "PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION. WARNING: Do Not Feed Honey to Infants Under One Year Old."

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Sources: Va. Code § 3.2-5130(C) (2026 Acts ch. 605) (checked 2026-10-07).

Make a cottage food label for Virginia

Washington

Statement: "Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria."

Exact wording: print it as it is. 11 pt or larger. Clear contrast.

Also accepted: "Made in a Home Kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria."; "MADE IN A HOME KITCHEN THAT HAS NOT BEEN SUBJECT TO STANDARD INSPECTION CRITERIA"

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address
• Registration or permit number

Good to know:

• Washington identifies you by your permit number, so the label needs no address.
• Capitals or mixed case are both accepted. Labels are approved with your permit.

Sources: RCW 69.22.020(3); WAC 16-149-110 (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Washington

West Virginia

West Virginia has 2 programs; the tool lets you switch between them.

Shelf-stable foods

Statement: "This product was made in a non-commercial kitchen that may not be subject to inspection and may contain cross-contact allergens not included in the allergen statement."

Exact wording: print it as it is. US and metric units.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• West Virginia labels show the city, state and ZIP code; no street address is needed.
• The net quantity goes in the bottom third of the front: US units, then metric in parentheses.

Needs refrigeration (permit)

Statement: "This product was made in a non-commercial or home kitchen that may not be subject to inspection and may contain cross-contact allergens not included in the allergen statement."

Exact wording: print it as it is. US and metric units.

The label also needs:

• Product name
• Ingredients
• Net quantity
• Allergens
• Name and address

Good to know:

• West Virginia labels show the city, state and ZIP code; no street address is needed.
• Foods that need refrigeration (61CSR42): add safe handling instructions such as "Keep refrigerated" when they apply. The net quantity goes in the bottom third of the front: US units, then metric in parentheses.

Needs refrigeration: also storage and handling instructions in your own words

Sources: W. Va. Code R. § 61-38-7 (2023); W. Va. Code R. § 61-42-6 (emergency rule, from 2026-06-02) (checked 2026-10-07).

Make a cottage food label for West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wisconsin has 2 programs; the tool lets you switch between them.

Home-baked goods

Statement: "This product was made in a private home not subject to state licensing or inspection."

Exact wording: print it as it is. Recommended, not required.

Good to know:

• Wisconsin has no label rule for home-baked goods; this statement is a common choice.

Home-canned foods

Statement: "This product was made in a private home not subject to state licensing or inspection."

Exact wording: print it as it is.

The label also needs:

• Ingredients
• Allergens
• Name and address
• Date made

Good to know:

• Wisconsin asks for your street address.
• Also post a sign where you sell: "These canned goods are homemade and not subject to state inspection."

Sources: Wis. Stat. § 97.29(2)(b)2 (checked 2026-10-07). The official page blocked automated reading, so it was read through a reader service.

Make a cottage food label for Wisconsin

Wyoming

Statement: "this food was made in a home kitchen, is not regulated or inspected and may contain allergens"

Exact wording: print it as it is. Recommended, not required.

Good to know:

• Required on the label only when sold at a retail store or grocery store. Otherwise tell the buyer the food is not certified, labeled, licensed, packaged, regulated or inspected.

Sold through a store or another seller: also the statement

Sources: W.S. 11-49-103(k), (e) (checked 2026-10-07). Read from the Internet Archive copy of the official page.

Make a cottage food label for Wyoming

Cottage food label FAQ

What are the 5 mandatory requirements for food labels? The name of the food, the ingredients in order of weight, the net quantity, the major allergens, and the name and address of the business. 26 of 51 jurisdictions ask cottage food labels for all five; most also require a cottage food statement.

How do I make a cottage food label? Pick your state in the cottage food label maker: it adds your state's statement in the required words and size, lists what your label still needs, and prints on Avery label sheets or saves a PDF.

Do cottage food labels need Nutrition Facts? None of the state rules listed here require a Nutrition Facts panel for cottage foods. If your label makes a nutrient or health claim, such as "low fat" or "sugar free", federal rules then require one; you can make it with the free nutrition label generator.

Can I use a PO box on the label? It depends on the state: some ask for a street address and rule out PO boxes, some accept a permit number instead of an address, and a few ask only for a way to contact you. Each state section says which.

Where does the cottage food statement go? On the label itself in most states, often on the front panel and at a minimum type size. Idaho and Nebraska and North Dakota also accept a sign where the food is sold.