Pennsylvania's Cottage Food Law

Pennsylvania's cottage food law allows individuals to produce and sell certain low-risk, non-potentially-hazardous foods made in a home kitchen. The law applies to home-based producers operating as small businesses, not licensed commercial operations. Covered products are generally shelf-stable baked goods, confections, jams, and similar items that don't require refrigeration to stay safe. You don't need a commercial kitchen to qualify.

You can sell your products directly to consumers through farmers markets, roadside stands, fairs, and similar in-person venues. Online orders are permitted, which means you can take orders through a website or social media. Shipping is not allowed, so all sales must be fulfilled through direct, in-person delivery or pickup. You cannot sell wholesale to grocery stores or restaurants under the cottage food exemption.

Your annual gross revenue cannot exceed $50,000. No permit, license, or government registration is required before you start selling. Every product must carry a label with the required disclaimer stating it was made in a non-inspected home kitchen. Pennsylvania's $50,000 revenue cap is relatively generous compared to many other states, giving your business real room to grow before you'd need to consider a licensed facility.