Louisiana Can you legally sell food from home in Louisiana?
Cottage Food Law
Louisiana’s cottage food law (Act 542) was started in 2013 and amended in 2014. The amendment (HB 1270) greatly increased the number of foods allowed, and it also increased the amount of regulations CFOs must follow. In 2022, the sales limit increased to $30,000 per year (HB 828) .
Unlike every other law, Louisiana imposes specific restrictions on preparers of breads, cakes, cookies, and pies. Those odd restrictions indicate that other items would be relatively unrestricted in how they are produced and sold.
Selling Where can you sell homemade food products?
Breads, cakes, cookies, or pies may not be sold indirectly, which suggests that the other allowed food items can be sold indirectly at stores and restaurants.
Allowed Foods What food products can you sell from home?
Unlike most other states, custard or cream-filled bakery products are allowed, but only if pasteurized milk products are used.
Limitations How will your home food business be restricted?
Preparers of breads, cakes, cookies, or pies must follow these special rules:
- They cannot employ anyone to help them in the production of those items
- Pets must be excluded at all times from preparation areas
- If there are ingredients that require refrigeration, the refrigerator must stay at 45 degrees or below
Business What do you need to do to sell food from home?
A CFO needs to apply for a Louisiana General Sales Tax Certificate from the Department of Revenue, plus a local sales tax certificate (from any region it will sell in), before selling products.
Labeling How do you label cottage food products?
The label must have a statement that "clearly indicates that the food was not produced in a licensed or regulated facility."
Resources Where can you find more information about this law?
- Department
- Louisiana Agriculture Department
- info@ldaf.state.la.us
- Telephone
- 866-927-2476
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