Cottage Food Laws – Selling Homemade Goods Legally

Operating a cottage food business in Rockdale County, Georgia, requires adherence to both state and local regulations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to assist you through the process:

1. Understand Approved Cottage Food Products

The Georgia Department of Agriculture permits the production and sale of specific non-potentially hazardous foods. A detailed list of these products is available on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Cottage Food page: https://agr.georgia.gov/cottage-food

2. Obtain a Cottage Food License from the Georgia Department of Agriculture

• Food Safety Training: Complete an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited food safety training program. A list of accredited programs is available here: https://agr.georgia.gov/cottage-food
• Application Submission: Complete and submit the Cottage Food License application along with the required fee. The application and fee details can be found at: https://agr.georgia.gov/cottage-food-licenses
• Kitchen Inspection: Allow a pre-operational inspection of your home kitchen by the Georgia Department of Agriculture to ensure compliance with safety standards.

3. Comply with Rockdale County Regulations

• Business License: Obtain a Home Occupation Business License from the Rockdale County Department of Planning and Development. The application and checklist are available here: Home Occupation License Application
• Zoning Compliance: Ensure your home-based business complies with local zoning ordinances. Cottage food operations are permitted as a home occupation in specific zoning districts as outlined in Rockdale County’s Code of Ordinances: Chapter 218 – Use Regulations

4. Labeling Requirements

All cottage food products must be labeled according to Georgia Department of Agriculture guidelines, including the business name and address, product name, ingredients, net weight, allergen information, and the statement: “MADE IN A COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO STATE FOOD SAFETY INSPECTIONS.” Detailed labeling requirements are available here: https://agr.georgia.gov/cottage-food

5. Sales Venues and Restrictions

Cottage food products in Georgia can be sold directly to consumers through various avenues, including non-profit events, for-profit events such as farmers’ markets, and online sales. However, cottage food operators are prohibited from selling products wholesale to retail establishments, restaurants, or institutions, and from shipping products across state lines. More details on sales restrictions can be found here: https://agr.georgia.gov/cottage-food

By following these steps and complying with both state and local regulations, you can legally produce and sell homemade food products in Rockdale County, Georgia.