Ohio Cottage Food Laws (2026)
✓ Verified against official sources · Aug 20, 2026Ohio Cottage Food Law (O.R.C. §§ 3715.01, 3715.021, 3715.023, 3715.025; O.A.C. Chapter 901:3-20) + Home Bakery License (defined in O.R.C. Chapter 911; licensed by ODA)
- License
- Tiered (two tracks)
- Annual sales cap
- No sales cap
- Government fees
- $0–$10
- Training
- Not required
The two paths
| Path | Where you can sell | Sales cap | Inspection | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottage Food Production Operation — no license, registration, inspection, or fee required | Direct to consumers, Through stores & restaurants, Online orders, Shipping within the state, Farmers markets, Fairs & community events | No capThe law sets no sales cap (neither O.A.C. 901:3-20 nor O.R.C. 3715.025 contains a cap provision); the only restriction is a ban on interstate sales, per O.A.C. 901:3-20-05(F). | No | $0 |
| Home Bakery License — ODA-issued license + one-time kitchen inspection | Direct to consumers, Through stores & restaurants, Online orders, Shipping within the state, Farmers markets, Fairs & community events | No capNo sales cap; this is the only track that allows interstate sales and wholesale distribution through retailers (per agri.ohio.gov, Home Bakery products may ship out of state); annual fee is $10. | Yes | $10 |
What you can and can’t make
Allowed
- Baked goods (no cream/custard fillings)
- Jams & jellies (standard high-acid)
- Fruit chutneys
- Fruit butters
- Candy & chocolate
- Honey
- Granola & cereal
- Maple sugar
- Popcorn & caramel corn
- Unfilled baked donuts
- Waffle cones & pizzelles
- Pizzelles
- Dry snack mixes
- Dry tea & roasted coffee
- Dry baking/soup mixes
- Spices & seasoning blends
- Dry soup mixes
- Refrigerated baked goods (Home Bakery license)
Not allowed
- Any food requiring refrigeration (TCS)
- Pickles & acidified sauces
- Low-acid canned foods
- Meat & jerky
- Fresh pasta
- Raw dough
- Hummus
- Belgian waffles
- Dehydrated fruits & herbs
- Prepared meals
- Freezer & sugar-free jams
- Fresh fruit garnishes
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:
“This product is home produced.”
Where you can sell
| Online orders | Yes |
|---|---|
| Shipping within the state | Yes |
| Across state lines | No |
| Stores, cafés & other resellers | Yes |
| Third-party delivery apps | Yes |
What it costs to start
- Permit / registration fee$0–$10
- 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 Ohio?
It depends on the track you choose. Ohio has 2 paths with different requirements — see the tier table above.
How much can a cottage food business sell per year in Ohio?
Ohio currently has no annual sales cap for cottage food operations.
Can I sell my homemade food online in Ohio?
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 Ohio?
7 required elements, including the exact statement: “This product is home produced.”. See the labeling section for the full list (O.R.C. § 3715.023; O.A.C. 901:3-20-02).
Who regulates cottage food in Ohio?
Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), Division of Food Safety — no application/registration is needed for a Cottage Food Production Operation; a Home Bakery License requires contacting ODA (foodsafety@agri.ohio.gov / 614-728-6250) for an application form and to schedule a kitchen inspection..
Recent law changes
- 2025-11-19 (OH HB134 (136th General Assembly, pending — not yet enacted)) — A MEHKO bill (a third track for home-kitchen hot foods/a broader food list) passed the House 88-2 and is under review in the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee (hearing held 2026-03-03); as of 2026-08-20 it has not been enacted and does not affect the current Cottage Food/Home Bakery two-track system.
Official sources
This guide was compiled from the following primary sources, last reviewed on Aug 20, 2026:
- agencyOhio Dept. of Agriculture — Home Bakery (official guidance: definitions, licensing process, fees, labeling, inspection conditions)
- statuteOhio Rev. Code § 3715.023 — Cottage food required label fields and the "home produced" statement text
- statuteOhio Rev. Code § 3715.025 — Cottage food restrictions (bans TCS, acidified, and low-acid canned foods)
- approved food listO.A.C. 901:3-20-04 — Cottage food products allowed (official approved food list)
- statuteO.A.C. 901:3-20-05 — Prohibitions (includes the interstate sales ban)
- statuteOhio Rev. Code § 3715.01 — Definitions (cottage food production operation / potentially hazardous food / home)