Pennsylvania cottage food law

The rules at a glance

Limited Food Establishment

• Unattended honesty stand?

  Not addressed

  Sources allow roadside stands but don't mention self-serve sales.

• Sign up with the state?

  Yes

  Register with PDA before you sell. County rules may also apply. The fee is $35 a year.

  Source

  • You must register with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) to operate a Limited Food EstablishmentPennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Limited Food Establishment Registration
  • Initial registration fee - $35Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Limited Food Establishment Registration
  • Registration and fee ($35.00) by the Department of Agriculture are requiredPDA: Limited Food Establishment Application Packet (PDF)
  • If you will be operating in a County Health Department, all applicable licenses/registrations issued by the County must be obtained BEFORE obtaining PDA license/registrationsPDA: Limited Food Establishment Application Packet (PDF)

• Food safety class?

  No

  No class or card is required, but you must show basic food safety knowledge.

  Source

  • members involved must demonstrate basic food safety knowledgePDA: Limited Food Establishment Application Packet (PDF)

• Kitchen inspection?

  Yes

  PDA inspects before you start and routinely after.

  Source

  • Registration involves routine inspection of the food production site by PDAPennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Limited Food Establishment Registration
  • Once you receive your application approval, an opening inspection must be conducted prior to operatingPDA: Limited Food Establishment Application Packet (PDF)

• Yearly sales limit

  No limit

  No state sales cap. Local health departments may add rules.

  Source

  • Registration includes sales direct from the production site including internet salesPennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Limited Food Establishment Registration

• Foods that need a fridge?

  No

  Shelf-stable only. No refrigeration or hot holding.

  Source

  • In a Limited Food Establishment, you may prepare shelf-stable, non-potentially hazardous foodsPennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Limited Food Establishment Registration
  • Foods requiring refrigeration or hot holding, such as shellfish, are not permittedPennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Limited Food Establishment Registration
  • limited to foods that ARE NOT foods requiring Time/Temperature Control for SafetyPDA: Limited Food Establishment Application Packet (PDF)

• Take orders online?

  Yes

  Only sales from the production site, including internet sales.

  Source

  • Registration includes sales direct from the production site including internet salesPennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Limited Food Establishment Registration

• Ship or mail orders?

  Sometimes

  Interstate orders may need FDA registration and nutrition labels.

  Source

  • Nutritional labeling must be included on food products being shipped / sold in interstate commerce (across state lines)PDA: Limited Food Establishment Application Packet (PDF)
  • If you sell across state lines, you may also need FDA registrationPennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Limited Food Establishment Registration

• Sell through shops?

  Sometimes

  Some retail stores if labels meet the rules. Wholesale needs another license.

  Source

  • Some retail stores may also carry your products if they meet labeling requirementsPennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Limited Food Establishment Registration
  • Wholesale or distribution to other food businesses requires a different licensePennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Limited Food Establishment Registration

What goes on the label