Michigan’s Cottage Food Law allows food entrepreneurs to legally sell certain homemade goods directly to consumers without the need for a commercial kitchen. This law has made it easier for aspiring bakers, jam makers, and food enthusiasts to start their businesses from home. If you’re considering starting your own cottage food business in Michigan, here’s everything you need to know about the regulations, including how to navigate the permit process, labeling requirements, and more.
What is Michigan’s Cottage Food Law?
The Michigan Cottage Food Law was enacted to allow small-scale food producers to sell low-risk foods directly to consumers. The law permits individuals to prepare and sell non-potentially hazardous foods from their homes without needing a commercial kitchen. This can include products such as baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, and dry herbs or spices.
This law gives entrepreneurs the chance to test out their food business ideas before incurring any substantial overhead costs. It can be the first step in turning a food passion into a profitable business. However, there are specific guidelines and restrictions that must be followed to ensure compliance with state health regulations.
What Foods Can Be Sold Under Michigan’s Cottage Food Law?
Michigan Cottage Food Law permits the sale of foods that are deemed non-potentially hazardous. These are foods that do not require refrigeration and are safe for extended periods at room temperature. Some common foods that can be sold under this law include:
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Baked goods (cookies, cakes, muffins, etc.)
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Jams, jellies, and preserves
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Honey and syrups
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Dry herbs, spices, and seasonings
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Dried fruits and vegetables
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Candies and confections
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Granola and trail mix
Certain high-risk foods like meats, dairy products, or anything that needs refrigeration cannot be sold under this law. You can find a more detailed list of allowed and prohibited foods on the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) website.
Do You Need a Permit to Sell Food from Home in Michigan?
Yes, in most cases, you will need a cottage food license in Michigan to sell your homemade goods legally. Here’s how the process typically works:
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Food Safety Training: Although food safety training is not required by law, it is highly recommended. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) provides a list of best practices, and Michigan State University Extension offers a free, 2-hour training course to help you get started.
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Complete the Application: After completing the required food safety training, you will need to fill out the application for a cottage food license. This application includes information about your food business and the foods you plan to sell.
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Labeling Requirements: One of the most important components of the cottage food law in Michigan is the labeling requirement. Every product you sell must be properly labeled with specific information, such as:
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The name of the product
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Your name and contact information
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The statement “Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development”
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The list of ingredients, in descending order of weight
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Any allergen information required by law
The Michigan cottage food law label is a crucial part of ensuring transparency and consumer safety.
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Annual Registration: Once you have the permit, you must submit an annual registration form and pay the required fee to maintain your cottage food license.
Michigan Cottage Bakery Laws
If you plan to operate a bakery from your home, you’ll want to be familiar with the cottage bakery laws. In Michigan, bakery items like cookies, cakes, and breads can be sold under the cottage food law, but they must meet specific standards. For example, baked goods must not contain cream, custard, or other perishable ingredients that require refrigeration. Additionally, certain larger baked goods or items sold in bulk may have additional regulations, so it’s important to verify your product against the law’s guidelines.
Before starting your cottage food business, it’s helpful to refer to the Cottage Food Checklist provided by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD), which outlines steps to ensure your business is compliant with state laws, including food safety practices, labeling, and more.
Cottage Food Business Limitations
While the Michigan Cottage Food Law offers an excellent opportunity for home-based food businesses, there are limits to the scale of operations. For example:
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Sales Limitations: As of 2021, the annual gross sales for a cottage food operation is capped at $25,000. If your business exceeds this threshold, you will need to transition to a commercial kitchen and obtain additional permits. For a list of licensed commercial kitchens available for rent near you, visit The Kitchen Door. For more on Michigan’s shared kitchen spaces, visit our blog.
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Sales Venues: Cottage food products can be sold directly to consumers, such as at farmer’s markets, online, or from your home. However, you are not allowed to sell your goods through retail stores, wholesale distributors, or ship products outside Michigan under the cottage food law.
Permits for Selling Food from Home in Michigan
To legally sell food from home, you’ll need to apply for a permit to sell food from home in Michigan. This process is overseen by the MDARD, and it ensures that your products are safe for public consumption. Before you apply, make sure to check the detailed requirements for your specific type of product, as some products may require additional steps, like nutritional analysis.
Michigan’s Cottage Food Law offers an exciting opportunity to test the waters with small-batch products and makes it easier to share your homemade creations with the world. By understanding the key regulations, from food safety and labeling to sales limitations, you can confidently navigate the legal landscape and launch your business on the right foot.
