Cottage Food Laws in Maine (2026)
Complete guide to Maine's cottage food laws: No cap (unlimited) annual limit, registration required, and online sales allowed.
Maine offers unlimited sales potential but requires a license and home kitchen inspection upfront. Acidified foods like pickles and salsas need lab testing before sale. Maine also has a separate Food Sovereignty law allowing participating municipalities to exempt locally-sold homemade foods from most state regulations.
Quick Facts for Maine
Annual Sales Limit
No cap (unlimited)
Registration/Permit
Required — Must obtain a Home Food Processor License from the Division of Quality Assurance & Regulations. Requires application, home kitchen inspection, and product review. Acidified foods require lab testing ($26-$39 per product).
Kitchen Inspection
Yes — inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Not required
Online Sales
Yes — online ordering allowed
Legislation: Title 22 MRSA Chapter 551; CMR 01-001 Chapter 345 (Home Food Manufacturing)
What You Can Sell in Maine
Allowed Products
- Breads and bagels
- Cookies, cakes, brownies, and donuts
- Candy, brittles, and fudge
- Jams, jellies, and fruit butters
- Dried fruits and vegetables
- Herbs and spices
- Honey
- Pickles and salsas (with lab testing)
- Granola and cereals
- Pasta
- Popcorn
- Coffee and tea
Not Allowed
- Perishable baked goods requiring refrigeration
- Low-acid canned goods pressure-canned at home
- Meat and meat products
- Dairy products
- Foods requiring temperature control for safety
Where You Can Sell in Maine
Labeling Requirements in Maine
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Maine
Verify your products are allowed
Maine allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, Division of Quality Assurance & Regulations.
Consider food safety training (optional)
Maine does not require food handler certification, but taking one builds customer trust and helps you follow best practices.
Register with your state
Must obtain a Home Food Processor License from the Division of Quality Assurance & Regulations. Requires application, home kitchen inspection, and product review. Acidified foods require lab testing ($26-$39 per product).
Set up proper labeling
Maine 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 Maine. Track your sales to stay within the No cap (unlimited) annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Maine'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 Maine's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.