Cottage Foods
Ohio’s Department of Agriculture page explains what qualifies as a “Cottage Food Production Operation” under Ohio law, and what that exemption does (and doesn’t) cover. It defines cottage foods as home-produced items that are not potentially hazardous, and notes that these operations are exempt from state licensing and inspection for producing cottage foods.
The piece will be most useful for Ohio home bakers, jam makers, beekeepers, and others who want to sell shelf-stable foods, as well as market managers and small retailers trying to understand what they can accept. It focuses on three practical areas: which products are allowed, which are prohibited, and what labeling is required. It also lays out where cottage foods can be sold within Ohio and clarifies the meaning of the required “This Product is Home Produced” statement.
Key takeaways
- Defines “Cottage Food Production Operation” as a person producing non-potentially hazardous foods in their primary residence, as specified in Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3715.
- Lists permitted products, including certain bakery items, candy, jams/jellies/fruit butters, granola, flavored popcorn, unfilled baked donuts, roasted coffee, dry mixes, dried herb/seasoning/tea blends, and specific items like flavored honey and maple sugar under ORC 3715.012 exemptions.
- Prohibits acidified foods, low-acid canned foods, potentially hazardous foods, and any non-hazardous foods not included on the permitted list; provides definitions and examples (e.g., cheesecakes, pumpkin pies, garlic in oil).
- Requires specific label elements on each unit sold, including net quantity in both U.S. customary and metric units, an ingredient list by weight, business name/address, and “This Product is Home Produced” in ten-point type.
- Limits sales to Ohio and describes allowed venues (direct from the home, grocery stores, registered farm markets, farmers markets, restaurants, and certain short-duration festivals); notes products remain subject to ODA sampling for misbranding/adulteration.