Missouri Can you legally sell food from home in Missouri?
Cottage Food Law
LAW UPDATE
Since this page was last updated, Missouri has improved their cottage food law. See the health department’s FAQ page for more information.
Missouri’s cottage food law (SB 525) went into effect on August 28th, 2014 that allows cottage food operations across the state. Previously, a few counties in Missouri allowed cottage food operations, even though there was no statewide law.
Under this law, individuals can only sell their products directly to consumers, which includes sales from home and at events. They can only sell baked goods, jams, jellies, and dry herbs, which is relatively limited compared to other states. Cottage food operations can sell up to $50,000 of products per year.
Although the law is somewhat limited, it’s a big improvement over the sporadic county ordinances that Missouri’s had in the past.
A new bill (HB 410) was proposed in 2017 which would have allowed online sales, but it never passed through the Senate.
Selling Where can you sell homemade food products?
All sales must be direct (in-person) transactions to the final consumer. Internet sales are specifically prohibited.
Allowed Foods What food products can you sell from home?
Most baked goods that do not require refrigeration are allowed.
Limitations How will your home food business be restricted?
Business What do you need to do to sell food from home?
No permit, inspection, or training from the health department is needed, but there may be other local requirements, such as a business license.
A local health department is not allowed to regulate a cottage food operation, but they can investigate a potential foodborne disease or outbreak.
Labeling How do you label cottage food products?
The label must state that the food was not inspected by the state or local health department.
Forrager Cookie Company
123 Chewy Way, Cookietown, MO 73531
Resources Where can you find more information about this law?
- August 2014
- SB 525
Stacey
penny grant
Cathy Taschler
Kim
Gail Rutherford
Michelle
Margie
Linda
Joan Rudloff
Comments
Michael
So if I’m reading this right, I can not use a commercial kitchen to make my jams to sell directly to a consumer. I must use my home kitchen, and as long as there is proper labeling on the end product, then I’m A-okay?
Jane
What exactly constitutes an online sale? Are google order forms, orders on FB, or via email allowable? What about payment via Paypal, Venmo, etc.? Are all of the above legal as long as the transfer of goods happens in person?
Lisa
Chocolate and Nuts can go bad and chocolate is something that should be climate controlled.
Michael Lococo
Can homemade Peanut Butter be sold?
Angel Washington
does this mean I cannot sell chocolate bread?