Vermont cottage food law

The rules at a glance

Cottage food operator license exemption

• Unattended honesty stand?

  Not addressed

  The sources don't mention unattended, self-serve or honor-system stands.

• Sign up with the state?

  Yes

  No license or fee, but file an exemption with the Health Department each year.

  Source

  • File a Health Department exemption in the online portal each year before January 15Vermont Department of Health: Home-Based Food Licenses and Exemptions
  • Annually, a food manufacturing establishment claiming a licensing exemption pursuant to this title shall submit to the Department a licensing exemption filing as required by rule18 V.S.A. § 4358, Exemptions
  • Those who can claim a licensing exemption do not need to obtain a license or pay a fee to operate a food manufacturing establishmentVermont Department of Health: Home-Based Food Licenses and Exemptions

• Food safety class?

  Yes

  Complete the Health Department's online training every year.

  Source

  • Complete annual trainingVermont Department of Health: Home-Based Food Licenses and Exemptions
  • Take the License Exempt Food Processors and Cottage Food Operators Online Training with information about the Manufactured Food Emergency Rule and food safetyVermont Department of Health: Home-Based Food Licenses and Exemptions
  • The licensing exemption filing shall require the food manufacturing establishment to attest to the completion of any training required by rule pursuant to section 4303 of this title18 V.S.A. § 4358, Exemptions

• Kitchen inspection?

  Sometimes

  Inspectors may check compliance and investigate public health hazards.

  Source

  • A public health inspector may inspect your establishment to make sure you are meeting requirementsVermont Department of Health: Home-Based Food Licenses and Exemptions
  • A public health inspector may inspect your establishment to make sure you are meeting requirements and to investigate potential public health hazardsVermont Department of Health: Food Manufacturing Licensing Exemptions (PDF)

• Yearly sales limit

  $30,000 a year

  Gross annual receipts from cottage food sales, not profit.

  Source

  • Gross receipts of $30,000.00 or less from the sale of cottage food products are exempt pursuant to section 4358 of this title18 V.S.A. § 4353, Fees
  • have gross annual receipts of $30,000.00 or less from the sale of cottage food productsVermont Department of Health: Home-Based Food Licenses and Exemptions

• Foods that need a fridge?

  No

  Shelf-stable foods only. Nothing that needs refrigeration or time or temperature control.

  Source

  • food sold by a cottage food operator that does not require refrigeration or time or temperature control for safety18 V.S.A. § 4301, Definitions
  • Cottage food products are defined in rule as food sold by a cottage food operator that does not require refrigeration or time or temperature control for safetyVermont Department of Health: Home-Based Food Licenses and Exemptions

• Take orders online?

  Not addressed

  The sources don't mention ordering online or by message.

• Ship or mail orders?

  Not addressed

  The sources don't mention mailing or delivery.

• Sell through shops?

  No

  Food under the exemption cannot be sold to restaurants or other licensed food establishments.

  Source

  • Food made under a license exemption cannot be sold to restaurants or other licensed food establishmentsVermont Department of Health: Home-Based Food Licenses and Exemptions
  • Food service establishments, like restaurants, may only purchase food products from licensed food manufacturersVermont Department of Health: Food Manufacturing Licensing Exemptions (PDF)

What goes on the label