Cottage Food Producer Registration

Cottage Food Producers can utilize Spanish versions of the following Cottage Food Producer materials:

Background

• The Cottage Food Law allows for individuals to make and sell certain non-potentially hazardous food and canned goods in Minnesota without a license. This law, the Cottage Food Exemption, went into effect in 2015 and includes details on the prior training and registration, types of food allowed, food labeling, types of sales locations, and amount of sales allowed by a cottage food producer. Additional legislative changes were passed in 2021, with effective dates of August 1, 2021 and January 1, 2022. Key changes included:
• Increasing the sales cap per registered individual to $78,000.
• Increasing the Tier 1 sales cap (exempt from registration fee) to $7,665.
• Adding home processed pet treats for dogs and cats only as an allowed cottage food.
• Allowing individuals to organize their cottage food business as a business entity recognized by state law.
• Requiring the label to include the name and registration number OR the name and address; and the statement, “These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection”.

If you would like to become a registered cottage food producer in Minnesota, please review the information below.

Cottage food producers must do the following:

1. Register with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) each year before selling food under the cottage food exemption, regardless of the amount of food sold.
   • Tier 1: For gross annual sales of $7,665 or less, complete an online training and exam each year before registering or renewing.
   • Tier 2: For gross annual sales of $7,666 - $78,000, take an approved food safety course once every three years while actively selling cottage food.
2. Prepare and sell only non-potentially hazardous food (such as baked goods, certain jams and jellies) and/or home canned pickles, vegetables, or fruits with a pH of 4.6 or lower OR a water activity of 0.85 or less.
3. Label product with your full name OR business name, address OR cottage food registration number, the date on which the food was produced, the ingredients (including potential allergens for human foods) and the statement, "These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection”.
4. Display a clearly legible sign or placard at the point of sale that says, “These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection.” If you are selling on the internet, post this statement on your webpage.
5. Deliver food directly to the ultimate consumer. The cottage food producer or their employee must be physically present during product sale or delivery. Cottage pet treats may be shipped in the mail or by commercial delivery to the end consumer.
6. Sell from a private home, farmers’ market, community event, or on the internet. Cottage pet treats may also be shipped in the mail or by commercial delivery to the end consumer. Cottage food intended for humans cannot be shipped.
7. Check with your local city, county, or township regarding business licensing or sales prohibitions due to zoning requirements.
8. Sell less than $78,000 in a calendar year. If you sell between $7,666 and $78,000 dollars per year, a $50 fee applies to your registration.

Please be aware that these sales are subject to income tax and may be subject to sales tax. Contact the Minnesota Department of Revenue for more information at 651-556-3000.

Basic Registration Process:

Step 1: Determine if you are eligible to register for this license exemption. This includes verifying the food you plan to make is non-potentially hazardous and that your local city, county, or township does not have home sales prohibitions due to zoning requirements. The MDA online training may be helpful to review to verify eligibility.

Step 2: If you are eligible, complete the training and exam for Cottage Food Producer Registration. Your training and exam requirements will depend on your expected gross annual sales.

• If your sales are expected to be $7,665 or less per year, take the MDA Tier 1 training and exam.
• If your sales are expected to be more than $7,665 per year, take the Tier 2 training through the University of Minnesota Extension Food Safety Program before registering with MDA. This course can be taken online or in-person.

Step 3: Complete the online cottage food producer registration and exam. Choose “Cottage Foods Producer Registration” from the dropdown menu.

If you do not have access to a computer, you may request a paper application, training, and exam by emailing MDA.Licensing@state.mn.us or calling 651-201-6062. Leave a detailed message, including your first and last name and mailing address.

Step 4: MDA will send you a registration card in the mail with a unique registration number. Post the registration card in a location visible to customers where you are selling your food. Please allow approximately 3-4 weeks for processing.

You may check the status of your registration at Licensing Information Search. If your registration has been processed, you will be listed and can sell your cottage food items.