Cottage Food Laws in Alabama (2026)
Complete guide to Alabama's cottage food laws: No limit (previous $20,000 cap was removed) annual limit, registration required, and online sales allowed.
Alabama removed the $20,000 sales cap in 2021. Now has no revenue limit. However, requires a department-approved food safety course and county health department registration with label approval. Acidified foods (pickles, hot sauce) are specifically prohibited. Cannot sell to retail food establishments.
Quick Facts for Alabama
Annual Sales Limit
No limit (previous $20,000 cap was removed)
Registration/Permit
Required — Must register with your county health department environmentalist office. Labels must be approved by county health department.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Yes — food safety course required
Online Sales
Yes — online ordering allowed
Governing Agency
Legislation: Code of Alabama Title 20, Chapter 1 (Cottage Food Law, enacted 2014, revised 2021)
What You Can Sell in Alabama
Allowed Products
- Baked goods (breads, rolls, cookies, cakes, brownies, pies — double-crust fruit pies)
- Traditional fruit jams, jellies, marmalades, and relishes
- Candy and fudge
- Spices and herbs
- Snack items (popcorn, caramel corn, peanut brittle)
- Condiments
- Dry goods
- Fermented foods
Not Allowed
- Acidified foods (pickles, hot sauce — botulism risk)
- Low-acid canned foods (canned vegetables)
- Meat, poultry, seafood
- Dairy products
- Foods requiring time/temperature control
Where You Can Sell in Alabama
Labeling Requirements in Alabama
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Alabama
Verify your products are allowed
Alabama allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Alabama Department of Public Health.
Complete required food safety training
Alabama requires a food handler certification or food safety course. These are typically available online for $10-$30.
Register with your state
Must register with your county health department environmentalist office. Labels must be approved by county health department.
Set up proper labeling
Alabama requires specific label elements on every product. See the labeling requirements section above for the exact list.
Start selling
Begin selling at approved venues in Alabama. Track your sales to stay within the No limit (previous $20,000 cap was removed) annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Alabama's specific cottage food requirements, labeling rules, and selling venues.
Chat with AI AssistantCottage food laws change frequently. This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements with Alabama's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.