Illinois's Cottage Food Law
Illinois allows home-based food production under its Cottage Food Operation law, which permits individuals to prepare and sell certain non-potentially-hazardous foods from a private home kitchen. The law applies to home bakers and small-scale producers who make products that don't require refrigeration to stay safe. Covered products include baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, and similar shelf-stable items that pose a low food safety risk.
You can sell your cottage food products through direct, in-person channels only. Permitted venues include farmers markets, roadside stands, farm stands, and direct sales from your home. Online sales are not permitted under Illinois cottage food law, and you cannot ship products to customers. Every sale must happen face-to-face, which means your marketing efforts should focus on local events and community sales opportunities.
Illinois sets a $1,000 annual gross revenue cap on cottage food sales, which is one of the lowest limits in the country. No permit, license, or registration is required before you start selling. Every product must carry the required disclaimer stating it was made in an uninspected home kitchen. Illinois is currently one of the more restrictive states for cottage food operators, but starting small can help you build a loyal local customer base.
Annual Limit
$1,000/year
Permit Required
No
Online Orders
Not Allowed
Shipping
Not Allowed
Permitted Foods
- ✓Baked goods (bread, cookies, cakes, muffins, pastries)
- ✓Jams, jellies, and preserves
- ✓Candies and confections
- ✓Dry herbs and herb blends
- ✓Dry baking mixes
- ✓Roasted nuts
- ✓Honey
Prohibited Foods
- ✗Meat and poultry products
- ✗Foods requiring refrigeration
- ✗Canned low-acid vegetables
- ✗Dairy-based products
- ✗Cream-filled pastries
- ✗Fermented or pickled products
- ✗Cheesecakes and custard pies
Labeling Requirements
- ✓Producer's full name and home address
- ✓Product name
- ✓Complete ingredient list in descending order by weight
- ✓Major food allergen disclosure
- ✓Net weight or net volume
- ✓Required disclaimer: 'This product was produced in a home kitchen not subject to government food safety inspection.'
Required Label Disclaimer
“This product was produced in a home kitchen not subject to government food safety inspection.”
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