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Cottage food by state

Tennessee cottage food law: what you can sell and how

Tennessee's Food Freedom Act is one of the most open home food laws. Homemade food is exempt from state licensing, permits and inspection if you follow the sales and label rules.

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

The short version

No license, permit or inspection from the state. Shelf-stable homemade foods can be sold in person or remotely, and through third-party sellers like retail shops and grocery stores. Since July 1, 2025 some time and temperature controlled foods are allowed too, but foods with dairy, meat or poultry must be sold and delivered by you directly.

Tennessee rules at a glance

  1. Who regulates

    The Tennessee Department of Agriculture administers the exemption but does not issue permits or inspect. The Department of Health handles foodborne illness complaints.

  2. License

    None, under T.C.A. § 53-1-118, as long as you meet the conditions.

  3. Allowed foods

    Homemade food items made at your private residence. Since July 1, 2025, certain time and temperature controlled foods are allowed.

  4. Where you can sell

    Shelf-stable items: directly to the consumer in person, by phone or internet, or through an agent or third-party vendor such as a retail shop or grocery store, with delivery by you, an agent or a carrier.

  5. Dairy, meat and poultry

    Items with dairy, meat or poultry must be sold by you directly to the consumer and delivered by you, to the extent federal law allows. Keep them at proper temperature in transport.

  6. Labels

    Your name, home address and phone, the product name, ingredients in descending order, and: "This product was produced at a private residence that is exempt from state licensing and inspection. This product may contain allergens." Online-only items can show this on the web page.

  7. Taxes

    The exemption does not cover tax law. Sales tax rules still apply.

Check the source

  • Official source

    TN Department of Agriculture: Tennessee Food Freedom Act

    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

Do I need a license to sell homemade food in Tennessee?

No. The Tennessee Food Freedom Act exempts homemade food from state licensing, permitting and inspection if you follow its rules.

Can I sell homemade food to stores in Tennessee?

Yes, for shelf-stable items. A third-party vendor such as a retail shop or grocery store can sell them.

Can I sell food with meat or dairy from home in Tennessee?

Since July 2025, yes in some cases, but you must sell and deliver it directly to the consumer.

What label statement does Tennessee require?

"This product was produced at a private residence that is exempt from state licensing and inspection. This product may contain allergens."

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