Cottage & home bakery rules by region

Key laws & programs

Revenue & sales limits

$20,000 annual gross sales

What is commonly allowed

• Baked goods without cream or custard fillings (cookies, breads, unfilled cakes)
• Candy and confections that do not require refrigeration
• Jams, jellies, and preserves meeting state acidified-food guidance
• Dried herbs, spice blends, and popcorn
• Granola and dry baking mixes
• Roasted coffee beans and dry tea blends

What is usually not allowed

• No meat, poultry, seafood, or dairy-based fillings that require refrigeration
• No low-acid canned goods, acidified foods, or fermented products unless specifically approved
• No wholesale or restaurant sales
• Interstate shipment generally prohibited
• Pets may not be present in the kitchen during preparation (local enforcement varies)

Where you can sell

• Direct sales to consumers at home, pickup, or delivery you arrange
• Farmers markets and community events
• Online orders with in-state delivery or customer pickup
• No sales through retail stores or restaurants
• No mail-order sales outside Alabama

Labeling requirements

• Business or cottage food operation name and physical address
• Common name of the product and net weight or count
• Ingredient list in descending order by weight
• Declaration of major food allergens (US Big 9)
• Printed statement that the product was made in a home kitchen not subject to routine inspection
• Date produced or best-by date when applicable

Permits & registration

• Register annually with Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries
• No separate kitchen inspection for basic cottage registration in most counties
• Keep records of products sold and gross receipts for the revenue cap
• Contact your county health department if you also cater or use a commercial kitchen
• Renew registration if you change address or product line materially

Kitchen & operations

• Prepare allowed foods only in your primary home kitchen
• Use potable water from an approved municipal or tested well source
• Exclude pets from food preparation areas during production
• Follow safe food handling practices even though routine inspection is limited