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Macaroons

Cottage Food 

What is Cottage Food?

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The cottage food program allows operators to prepare certain food or drink items in their home and sell them directly to the consumer. These items cannot be offered or sold in retail locations such as stores or restaurants. 

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Items produced under the Cottage Food Law are prepared in home kitchens not inspected by a health department, that may also produce common food allergens.

What Foods Can I Not Offer?

  • Meat, Poultry, Fish, Seafood, or Shellfish

  • Dairy, except as an ingredient in a non-potentially hazardous baked good or candy; or as an ingredient in a baked good frosting, such as buttercream

  • Eggs, Except for as an ingredient in non-potentially hazardous foods

  • Pumpkin Pie, Sweet Potato Pie, Cheesecakes, Custard Pie, Cream Pies, and Pastries with potentially hazardous fillings or toppings

  • Garlic in Oil or Oil infused with Garlic, unless the Garlic Oil is acidified

  • Low Acid Canned Foods

  • Sprouts

  • Cut, Fresh Leafy Greens

  • Cut or Pureed Fresh Tomato or Melon

  • Dehydrated Tomato or Melon

  • Frozen Cut Melon

  • Wild-Harvested, Non-Cultivated Mushrooms

  • Alcoholic Beverages; Kombucha

What's The Cost?​

The initial cost is $50 with an annual renewal fee of $25

You will need to receive training in food safety and earn a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)

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This certification lasts 5 years and can be obtained through any ANSI accredited course with online or in-person options.

Where Do I Start?

Obtain training and complete the application

 

Registration Checklist

  • List of products you intend to produce.

  • Product labels for each category of food product

  • Registration Fee

  • (On Private water) Water Test Results

(Extra Steps Required if producing Acidified/Fermented foods, Canned Tomatoes or Tomato Products)

​How do I register?

For registration, you will need to obtain your Certified Food Protection Manager’s Certificate, and complete Cottage food registration application. There is a checklist provided in the guide and the application of items you need to include with your application.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please provide all required documentation.

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​You must follow the cottage food law exactly. It is important that you read and understand the Cottage Food Law. The following resources will answer any questions you may have including allowed/prohibited food and drink items, labeling requirements, training, etc.

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