Georgia cottage food law
Georgia lets you sell non-potentially hazardous foods made in your home kitchen with no state license or fee and no sales cap. You can sell directly, online, by mail order and to retail stores, unless your city or county opts out.
Checked against the law
The rules at a glance
Cottage Food Program
Unattended honesty stand?
Not addressedThe law doesn't mention self-serve or honor-system stands.
Sign up with the state?
NoNo license or fee. You can request an ID number instead of your address.
Source
Cottage food operators no longer need to obtain a license with the Georgia Department of Agriculture ("GDA") or pay a licensing fee to the state.
Georgia Department of Agriculture: HB 398 Cottage Food FAQ (PDF)Cottage food operators uncomfortable with providing their address on labels may request an "Identification Number" to use instead.
Georgia Department of Agriculture: HB 398 Cottage Food FAQ (PDF)removing the state licensing requirement
Georgia Department of Agriculture: Cottage Food
Food safety class?
YesAn ANSI-accredited food handler course.
Source
Cottage Food Operators must complete an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited food safety training program.
Georgia Department of Agriculture: Cottage FoodFood Handler training is acceptable for cottage food operators.
Georgia Department of Agriculture: Cottage Food
Kitchen inspection?
SometimesNo pre-licensing checks. GDA can inspect after a complaint or outbreak.
Source
With no licensing requirement, GDA will no longer conduct prelicensing inspections at a cottage food operator's residence.
Georgia Department of Agriculture: HB 398 Cottage Food FAQ (PDF)GDA will still investigate consumer complaints, reports of foodborne illness, and public health emergencies.
Georgia Department of Agriculture: HB 398 Cottage Food FAQ (PDF)
Yearly sales limit
No limitNo yearly sales cap in the state law.
Source
The Georgia Department of Agriculture does not have any limits on gross sales or the number of units that can be produced.
Georgia Department of Agriculture: Cottage Food FAQ
Foods that need a fridge?
NoOnly non-potentially hazardous foods and nonalcoholic drinks.
Source
Cottage food operators are permitted to make only food that is not potentially hazardous
Georgia Department of Agriculture: Cottage FoodCottage food item' means a non-potentially hazardous food or nonalcoholic beverage
Georgia Department of Agriculture: Cottage Food Law, O.C.G.A. 26-2-470 et seq. (PDF)
Take orders online?
YesSource
Operators can use their home kitchen to make products to sell directly to consumers at non-profit events, for-profit events, and through online sales.
Georgia Department of Agriculture: Cottage Food
Ship or mail orders?
YesBy mail order.
Source
person, including online and by mail order, or to retail food sales establishments, including
Georgia Department of Agriculture: Cottage Food Law, O.C.G.A. 26-2-470 et seq. (PDF)
Sell through shops?
SometimesStatewide yes, but a city or county may opt out for third-party stores.
Source
Producers may then sell those cottage food items to consumers directly or to retail food sales establishments like grocery stores, convenience stores, or restaurants.
Georgia Department of Agriculture: HB 398 Cottage Food FAQ (PDF)each city or county in Georgia may choose to pass an ordinance prohibiting cottage food operators from selling cottage food items through third-party vendors
Georgia Department of Agriculture: HB 398 Cottage Food FAQ (PDF)
What goes on the label
Required wording
This product was produced at a residential property that is exempt from state inspection. This product may contain allergens.
In at least 10 point type. GDA's FAQ still shows the wording from before the 2025 law.
Source
The following statement in at least 10 point font: 'This product was produced at a residential property that is exempt from state inspection. This product may contain allergens.'
Georgia Department of Agriculture: Cottage Food Law, O.C.G.A. 26-2-470 et seq. (PDF)
The label also shows
- Your business name
- Your address, or an ID number from the state
- Your telephone number
- The common name of the food
- Ingredients, heaviest first
- Net weight or volume
- Major allergens
On the label, or on a placard or webpage depending on how you sell.
Source
The business name, address, and telephone number of the cottage food operator
Georgia Department of Agriculture: Cottage Food Law, O.C.G.A. 26-2-470 et seq. (PDF)Cottage food operators uncomfortable with providing their address on labels may request an "Identification Number" to use instead.
Georgia Department of Agriculture: HB 398 Cottage Food FAQ (PDF)Name and address of the Cottage Food operation.
Georgia Department of Agriculture: Cottage Food FAQCommon name or description of the Cottage Food product.
Georgia Department of Agriculture: Cottage Food FAQThe ingredients of the Cottage Food product, in descending order of predominance by weight.
Georgia Department of Agriculture: Cottage Food FAQThe net weight or net volume of the Cottage Food product.
Georgia Department of Agriculture: Cottage Food FAQAllergen labeling as specified in federal labeling requirements.
Georgia Department of Agriculture: Cottage Food FAQ
Before your first sale
This is general information, not legal advice. Check with the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) before you sell, and again if you add a new food or a new way of selling.
We check these sources every month and update this page when they change.