Cottage Food License
If you make food products in your home to sell at fairs and markets, you will need a Cottage Food License. These types of products are prepared foods that are low-risk for food-related injury or illness. As a low-risk product, Cottage Food can be prepared in a home environment without some of the controls used for a traditional ready-to-eat food such as those foods sold in a restaurant or grocery store. See the Cottage Food Operator Page Here and the Cottage Food Guide HERE. Both have links to the information you need to obtain a license from the State of CT. Some key points are below:
- Products must be made in your home.
- You must obtain a Cottage Food License ($50) after applying and premises inspected.
- Products must be on an approved food list.
- Total annual sales cannot exceed $50,000 (increased from $25,000 in 2022).
- Products must be sold directly to the consumer.
- Products cannot be sold through a store on consignment or space rental
- Mail order is allowed, but products cannot be shipped – they but must be hand delivered.
- Products also may not be sold in a pop up event in any food establishment.