State-by-State Cottage Food Labeling Guide
Cottage food labels are not one-size-fits-all. Every state sets its own required disclaimer, allergen format, net weight rules, and producer identification. Use this guide to understand the rules in your state, then generate a print-ready label inside VendorBatch that adapts to the exact profile you select.
Not legal advice
This guide summarizes publicly available cottage food labeling frameworks for informational purposes. Rules change and are enforced locally. Before printing or selling, confirm your label wording, permitted foods, and sales limits with your state, county, or local health authority.
What almost every cottage food label needs
Before you pick a state, make sure your label covers the universal building blocks.
Product identity
The common or usual name of the food so customers know what they are buying.
Net weight
Net quantity of contents in the largest whole unit plus metric equivalent.
Allergens
Clear declaration of the nine major allergens using common names.
Disclaimer
State-mandated statement that the food was made in a home kitchen.
State-specific requirements
Required label elements
- Name of the cottage food production operation
- Physical address or DSHS registration ID
- Common name of the product
- Net weight or net volume
- Ingredients in descending order of predominance
- Allergen declaration (Big 9)
- Non-inspection disclaimer
Legal disclaimer
“THIS FOOD IS MADE IN A HOME KITCHEN AND IS NOT INSPECTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES OR A LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT.”
This state mandates the disclaimer in uppercase on the printed label.
Net weight guidelines
Net weight must be declared in both U.S. customary and metric units for packages over 1 lb / 1 pt. Use standard phrases such as 'Net Wt. 12 oz (340 g)'.
Allergen rules
Texas follows federal FALCPA/FASTER Act rules. Declare milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame, and any other major allergen in the ingredient list or a separate 'Contains' statement.
Important notes
- Cottage foods may only be sold directly to consumers within Texas — farmers markets, farm stands, home delivery, and online sales shipped inside the state.
- Allowed foods are limited to low-risk items such as baked goods, candies, jams, jellies, pickles, and certain dry spice or tea blends.
- Gross annual sales cap applies; confirm the current threshold with DSHS.
Source reference: Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 437, Subchapter C; 25 TAC §228.61 cottage food rules.
Turn this guide into a printed label
VendorBatch Label Studio reads your state profile, validates required fields, and exports a print-ready PDF with your logo, ingredient list, allergen lines, and the exact disclaimer your state requires.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a registered business to use cottage food labels?
- Most states require a producer name and address, but not formal incorporation. Some require a permit or registration number before your first sale.
- Can I sell online with cottage food labels?
- It depends on the state. Some allow internet sales shipped inside the state; others restrict sales to farmers markets and in-person pickup.
- Does VendorBatch verify my label with the health department?
- No. VendorBatch formats labels based on the state profile you select. You are responsible for confirming the final label with your local authority.
- What if my state is not listed?
- Choose the 'Other States & Territories' profile and enter the fields your local authority requires. You can still export a formatted PDF.