Alabama cottage food law

The rules at a glance

Cottage Food Operation

• Unattended honesty stand?

  Not addressed

  Direct sales only. The law doesn't mention self-serve or honor-system stands.

• Sign up with the state?

  Yes

  Submit a Cottage Food Review Form to your county health department.

  Source

  • Completes and submits a Cottage Food Review Form to their Local County Health DepartmentAlabama Department of Public Health: Cottage Food

• Food safety class?

  Yes

  A food safety course approved by the Health Department.

  Source

  • Completes a food safety course approved by the Health DepartmentAlabama Department of Public Health: Cottage Food
  • The Cottage Food Law requires that the cottage food operator maintain a food safety course certificationAlabama Department of Public Health: Cottage Food

• Kitchen inspection?

  No

  The county reviews your course certificate and labels, not your kitchen.

  Source

  • The Local County Health Department will only review the food safety course certificate and the product labelsAlabama Department of Public Health: Cottage Food

• Yearly sales limit

  No limit

  No yearly limit. The state removed the annual income cap.

  Source

  • the limit for annual income under the law has been removedAlabama Department of Public Health: Cottage Food

• Foods that need a fridge?

  No

  Only non-potentially hazardous foods on the state's list.

  Source

  • a non-potentially hazardous food that has been prepared in a person's home that does not require time or temperature control for safety to limit pathogenic microorganism growth or toxin formationAlabama Department of Public Health: Cottage Food

• Take orders online?

  Yes

  Direct to buyers in Alabama, by phone or online.

  Source

  • A cottage food producer may sell their food products directly to consumers in person, by phone, or online as long as the receiving person is in AlabamaAlabama Department of Public Health: Cottage Food

• Ship or mail orders?

  Yes

  By mail, but only to buyers in Alabama.

  Source

  • A cottage food producer may deliver their food products directly to consumers within the state, whether in person, through an agent of the producer, or by mailAlabama Department of Public Health: Cottage Food

• Sell through shops?

  No

  Direct to consumers only. No restaurants, stores or consignment.

  Source

  • Permitted food establishments are not allowed to sell food items produced in a private homeAlabama Department of Public Health: Cottage Food
  • A cottage food producer may only sell their products directly to consumersAlabama Department of Public Health: Cottage Food

What goes on the label