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Cottage food by state

Pennsylvania cottage food law: what you can sell and how

Pennsylvania does not have a no-license cottage food exemption. Home kitchens register with the Department of Agriculture as a Limited Food Establishment, pass an inspection and make shelf-stable foods only.

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Updated November 2026 by the Madeline's team, who set these tools up for makers and farms.

The short version

Register with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture as a Limited Food Establishment ($35 a year), pass an on-site inspection, and make only shelf-stable foods that need no refrigeration. Sales from the production site, including internet sales, are covered. Not available in Philadelphia County.

Pennsylvania rules at a glance

  1. Who regulates

    Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Food Safety and Laboratory Services.

  2. Registration

    Apply with a plan review, then pass an on-site inspection. Registration is $35 and renews every year at $35. Apply at least 60 days before you plan to start.

  3. Allowed foods

    Shelf-stable foods that need no refrigeration, such as baked goods without cream fillings, jams, jellies, candies and certain snack mixes. Only products with a pH of 4.6 or below. Some products need lab testing.

  4. Not allowed

    Foods that need refrigeration or hot holding, such as dairy, eggs, meat, fish, cut fruit and vegetables, garlic in oil, cream pastries, cheesecakes and custard pies.

  5. Where you can sell

    Direct to consumers from the production site or a satellite such as your own farm stand or market stall, plus internet sales. A retail food license may also be needed for events or farmers markets.

  6. Out of state

    Selling across state lines may also require FDA registration.

  7. Pets and water

    No pets in a home kitchen used for production. Homes on a well need a water test.

  8. Philadelphia

    Limited Food Establishment registration is not permitted in Philadelphia County.

Check the source

  • Official source

    Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: Limited Food Establishment

    Rules change. Confirm the current figures and forms with the state before you start selling.

    Open the official page

  • Cottage food to commercial kitchen

    What changes when you outgrow the limits.

    Read the guide

  • Free tool

    Cost per jar calculator

    Price your cottage food products from what they really cost.

    Use the calculator

  • Food label requirements

    What a packaged food label needs, including allergens.

    Read the guide

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Questions

Does Pennsylvania have a cottage food law?

Not a license-free one. Home kitchens register with the Department of Agriculture as a Limited Food Establishment and are inspected.

How much does it cost?

$35 to register and $35 a year to renew.

Can I sell online in Pennsylvania?

Yes, registration covers sales from the production site including internet sales. Selling across state lines may also require FDA registration.

Can I make refrigerated foods at home?

No. Only shelf-stable foods that need no refrigeration.

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