top of page

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is a cottage food production operation?
A cottage food production operation is defined as an individual, operating out of the individual’s home, who:

  • Produces a baked good, candy, coated and uncoated nuts, unroasted nut butters, fruit butters, a canned jam or jelly, a fruit pie, dehydrated fruit or vegetables, including dried beans, popcorn and popcorn snacks, cereal, including granola, dry mix, vinegar, pickles, mustard, roasted coffee or dry tea, or a dried herb or dried herb mix.

  • Has an annual gross income of $50,000 or less from the sale of the described foods.

  • Sells the foods produced directly to consumers at the individual’s home, a farmers’ market, a farm stand, or a municipal, county, or nonprofit fair, festival or event; and

  • Delivers products to the consumer at the point of sale or another location designated by the consumer.

 

Is a cottage food production operation a food service establishment? 
No. A cottage food production operation is not a food service establishment.

 

What is the definition of a baked good? 
A baked good is a food item prepared by baking the item in an oven, which includes cookies, cakes, breads, Danishes, donuts, pastries, pies, and other items that are prepared by baking.

What are some examples of foods that can be prepared at a cottage food production operation?
The following are examples of non-potentially hazardous foods that may be prepared and sold at a cottage food production operation:

  • Breads, rolls, biscuits

  • Sweet breads, muffins

  • Cakes (birthday, wedding, anniversary, etc.

  • Pastries

  • Cookies

  • Candy

  • Coated and uncoated nuts

  • Unroasted nut butters

  • Fruit butters

  • Canned jams or jellies

  • Fruit pies

  • Dehydrated fruit or vegetables, including dried beans

  • Popcorn and popcorn snacks

  • Cereal, including granola

  • Dry mixes

  • Vinegar

  • Pickles

  • Mustard

  • Roasted coffee or dry tea

  • Dried herbs and dried herb mixtures

 

What types of foods are not allowed to be sold at a cottage food production operation?
The following foods are examples of food that can not be produced by a cottage food production operation.

  • Fresh or dried meat or meat products including jerky

  • Canned fruits, vegetables, vegetable butters, salsas etc.

  • Kolaches with meat

  • Fish or shellfish products

  • Canned pickled products such as corn relish and sauerkraut

  • Raw seed sprouts

  • Bakery goods which require any type of refrigeration such as cream, custard or meringue pies and cakes or pastries with cream cheese icings or fillings

  • Milk and dairy products including hard, soft and cottage cheeses and yogurt

  • Fresh fruits dipped or coated in chocolate or similar confections

  • Fresh vegetables

  • Juices made from fresh fruits or vegetables

  • Ice or ice products

  • Barbeque sauces and ketchups

  • Foccaccia-style breads with vegetables or cheeses

  • Chocolate covered graham crackers, Rice Krispy treats

  • Dried pasta

  • Sauerkraut, relishes, salsas, sorghum

  • Lemonade, juices, hot chocolate or similar beverages

 

What is a potentially hazardous food/time and temperature control for safety food (PHF/TCS)? 
A potentially hazardous food (PHF) is a food that requires time and temperature control for safety (TCS) to limit pathogen growth or toxin production. In other words, a food must be held under proper temperature controls, such as refrigeration to prevent the growth of bacteria that may cause human illness. A PHF/TCS is a food that: contains protein, moisture (water activity greater than 0.85), and is neutral to slightly acidic (pH between 4.6 -7.5).

 

Where may a cottage food production operation sell products? 
A CFPO may sell products at

  • the individual’s home;

  • a farmers’ market;

  • a farm stand;

  • a municipal fair, festival or event;

  • a county fair, festival, or event; and

  • a nonprofit fair, festival, or event.

 

May a cottage food production operation sell products anywhere else, such as at a state fair or federal event?
The statute specifies particular locations where the cottage food production operation may sell products. Privately organized special events and other locations are not allowed under the statute.

 

bottom of page