Michigan Cottage Food Laws (2026)
✓ Verified against official sources · Aug 20, 2026Michigan Food Law (Act 92 of 2000), Cottage Food exemption MCL 289.4102 (definitions MCL 289.1105), as amended by HB 4122 (2026)
- License
- No license required
- Annual sales cap
- $50,000–$75,000/yr by tier
- Government fees
- $0
- Training
- Not requiredMSU Extension Cottage Food Law course (online/in-person, MDARD-funded but not required)
The two paths
| Path | Where you can sell | Sales cap | Inspection | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Cap (most products) | Direct to consumers, Online orders, Shipping within the state, Farmers markets, Fairs & community events | $50,000/yrRaised from $25,000 to $50,000 when HB 4122 took effect (2026-03-24). Starting 2026-10-01, MDARD may adjust this annually based on the 3-year average Detroit-area CPI. | No | $0 |
| Products Priced $250+ per Unit (e.g., custom wedding cakes) | Direct to consumers, Online orders, Shipping within the state, Farmers markets, Fairs & community events | $75,000/yrAlso new under HB 4122: if a producer sells cottage food items priced at $250 or more per unit, the annual cap rises to $75,000. | No | $0 |
What you can and can’t make
Allowed
- Baked goods (no cream/custard fillings)
- Jams & jellies (standard high-acid)
- Dried fruit
- Dehydrated vegetables
- Granola & cereal
- Roasted nuts
- Popcorn & caramel corn
- Candy & chocolate
- Roasted coffee beans
- Dry baking/soup mixes
- Spices & seasoning blends
- Flavored vinegars
- Extracts
- Freeze-dried shelf-stable foods
- Dried pasta
Not allowed
- Fresh dairy products
- Meat products
- Fish & seafood
- Pickles & acidified sauces
- Sauces, dressings & condiments
- Home-canned fruits & vegetables
- Cream, custard & meringue fillings
- Any food requiring refrigeration (TCS)
- Beverages
- CBD or cannabis products
- Dietary supplements
- Ice & ice products
- Pet food & treats
- Tinctures
- Garlic-in-oil mixtures
- Fresh-cut produce
- Fresh pasta
- Caramel apples
- Non-standard jams & fruit butters
Label requirements
Every product label must include:
- Product name
- Business / operation name
- Operation address
- Ingredients, in descending order by weight
- Net weight in both US and metric units
- FDA major allergen declaration
- Home kitchen statement (exact wording below)
Required statement, word for word:
“Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.”
Where you can sell
| Online orders | Yes |
|---|---|
| Shipping within the state | Yes |
| Across state lines | No |
| Stores, cafés & other resellers | No |
| Third-party delivery apps | Yes |
What it costs to start
- Permit / registration fee$0
- Food safety course (optional)Optional here, but markets often ask$10–$30
- Labels, bags & packaging (first batch)$30–$60
- LLC formation (optional)Plus your state's filing fee$39
- Liability insurance (optional)Per month, from FLIP$26
- Likely minimum to start (required items)from $30
Common questions
Do I need a license to sell food from home in Michigan?
No. Michigan does not require a state license or permit for qualifying cottage foods, though other rules (labeling, allowed foods) still apply.
How much can a cottage food business sell per year in Michigan?
$50,000–$75,000/yr by tier. Raised from $25,000 to $50,000 when HB 4122 took effect (2026-03-24). Starting 2026-10-01, MDARD may adjust this annually based on the 3-year average Detroit-area CPI.
Can I sell my homemade food online in Michigan?
Yes, online orders are allowed, and you can ship within the state. Sales across state lines are not allowed.
What has to be on a cottage food label in Michigan?
7 required elements, including the exact statement: “Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.”. See the labeling section for the full list (MCL 289.4102 (Michigan Food Law, Act 92 of 2000)).
Who regulates cottage food in Michigan?
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) — Food & Dairy Division. No license or registration with MDARD is required; MSU Product Center offers an optional voluntary privacy registration..
Recent law changes
- 2026-03-24 (MI HB 4122) — HB 4122 took effect, raising the annual cap from $25,000 to $50,000 ($75,000 for items priced $250+/unit); formally allowing online/mail-order sales and third-party delivery (requiring direct producer-consumer interaction before ordering, with no drop-off through retail stores or farm stands); adding an optional one-time $50 MSU Product Center registration that lets producers list a registration number and phone instead of their home address on labels; and authorizing MDARD, starting 2026-10-01, to adjust the cap annually using the 3-year average Detroit-area CPI — the exemption from MDARD licensing/registration and state inspection otherwise remains unchanged.
Official sources
This guide was compiled from the following primary sources, last reviewed on Aug 20, 2026:
- agencyMDARD – Cottage Food Getting Started and FAQ (states sales caps and that no license/registration is required)
- agencyMDARD – Cottage Food Labeling (official example of the required label statement)
- approved food listMDARD – Cottage Food: What Can I Make (allowed/prohibited food list)
- agencyMDARD – Cottage Food Business Rules One-Pager (03/2026, official summary after HB 4122 took effect)
- statuteMichigan Legislature – MCL 289.4102 (Cottage food operation; exemption)
- agencyMSU Extension – Can I sell this? The Michigan Cottage Food Law (.edu cross-check; label wording matches verbatim)