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."
Heather Mitchell
Amy
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Comments
tina perrin
where do you get the answers to these questions?
Gaby B
This information is great! But, I’m still a little confused. I make custom cookies decorated with royal icing. Can I sell these retail at a local coffee shop? I live in Louisiana.
Angel
I love cooking desert
Tracey
Wondering if all salsas, including fresh fruit salsas (mango etc) that are not heat pressurized are covered still under cottage law in Louisiana?
Amy
How do I apply for this type of permit?
Jerrianne
Have you received an answer yet?
Catherine McLain
What is the process of getting a cottage law certificate? How much is it and is it a yearly fee?
jerritt
I think aged cheeses should be included in future legislations.
Kristin
So I take from this that any final product requiring refrigeration is not allowed? I was hoping to sell cookie dough – all the ingredients are shelf stable (it does not contain eggs or other cold ingredients), but the dough itself is kept frozen or refrigerated for sake of it holding its shape.
Peggy
Can I cook and sell meals to neighbors?
Angel
It’s going to be desert rice chicken beef
Angel
I love cooking love to make money I hope you guys give me a chance
Heather Fontenot
Can I make homemade fudge and sell it from my home
Sophie
As long as you have the sales tax certification. Fudge is on the allowed foods list.
Jennifer
Can I sell freeze dried food?