Cottage Food Laws in Illinois (2026)
Complete guide to Illinois's cottage food laws: $50,000 per year (Illinois Cottage Food Law) | $75,000 per year (Home Kitchen Operations, requires county approval) annual limit, registration required, and online sales allowed.
Illinois has a two-tier system similar to California. Basic cottage food has a $50K limit. Home Kitchen Operations (HKO) allow up to $75K but require county approval and food handler certification.
Quick Facts for Illinois
Annual Sales Limit
$50,000 per year (Illinois Cottage Food Law) | $75,000 per year (Home Kitchen Operations, requires county approval)
Registration/Permit
Required — Basic cottage food: registration with local health department. Home Kitchen Operation: requires county health department permit.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Yes — food safety course required
Online Sales
Yes — online ordering allowed
Governing Agency
Legislation: Illinois Cottage Food Law (410 ILCS 625/4)
What You Can Sell in Illinois
Allowed Products
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Jams and jellies
- Fruit butters
- Popcorn
- Granola
- Trail mix
- Dried herbs
Not Allowed
- Time/temperature controlled foods
- Meat, poultry, dairy
- Canned low-acid foods
- Beverages
Where You Can Sell in Illinois
Labeling Requirements in Illinois
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Illinois
Verify your products are allowed
Illinois allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Illinois Department of Public Health.
Complete required food safety training
Illinois requires a food handler certification or food safety course. These are typically available online for $10-$30.
Register with your state
Basic cottage food: registration with local health department. Home Kitchen Operation: requires county health department permit.
Set up proper labeling
Illinois 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 Illinois. Track your sales to stay within the $50,000 per year (Illinois Cottage Food Law) | $75,000 per year (Home Kitchen Operations, requires county approval) annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Illinois'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 Illinois's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.