Ohio's Cottage Food Law

Ohio's cottage food law allows individuals to produce and sell certain non-potentially-hazardous foods made in a home kitchen. The law applies to home-based producers selling directly to end consumers. Covered products generally include baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, and other shelf-stable items that don't require refrigeration to stay safe. If your product can sit at room temperature without spoiling, it likely qualifies.

You can sell your cottage food products directly to customers at farmers markets, roadside stands, fairs, and similar in-person venues. Ohio also permits online orders, so you can take sales through a website or social media as long as the customer picks up or receives the product locally. Shipping your products through the mail or a carrier is not allowed under Ohio law.

Your gross annual sales can't exceed $40,000. No permit, license, or state registration is required before you start selling. Every product must carry the label disclaimer: "This product is home produced and is not subject to state inspection." The combination of no permit requirement and online order allowance makes Ohio a relatively accessible state for new cottage food businesses, and the $40,000 cap gives you real room to grow.