Cottage Food Laws in Michigan (2026)
Complete guide to Michigan's cottage food laws: $25,000 per year (gross sales per household) annual limit, no registration required, and in-person sales only.
No registration or permit needed. $25,000 gross annual sales cap. Pending legislation may raise the cap to $75,000. Sales must be direct to consumer — no wholesale, no online, no shipping.
Quick Facts for Michigan
Annual Sales Limit
$25,000 per year (gross sales per household)
Registration/Permit
No license, permit, registration, or application required. Must maintain sales records and provide to MDARD food inspector upon request.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Not required
Online Sales
No — in-person sales only
Governing Agency
Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD)
Legislation: Michigan Food Law of 2000 (PA 92), Cottage Food exemption
What You Can Sell in Michigan
Allowed Products
- Baked goods (bread, cookies, cakes, pies, muffins)
- Candy and confections
- Fruit jams and jellies
- Fruit butters
- Popcorn
- Granola and cereal
- Dried herbs and herb mixes
- Vinegar
- Other non-potentially hazardous foods safe at room temperature
Not Allowed
- Foods requiring time/temperature control
- Meat, poultry, and seafood
- Dairy products
- Canned low-acid foods
- Any food requiring refrigeration
Where You Can Sell in Michigan
Labeling Requirements in Michigan
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Michigan
Verify your products are allowed
Michigan allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD).
Consider food safety training (optional)
Michigan does not require food handler certification, but taking one builds customer trust and helps you follow best practices.
No registration needed — just start
Michigan does not require registration, permits, or licenses for cottage food operations. You can start selling immediately.
Set up proper labeling
Michigan 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 Michigan. Track your sales to stay within the $25,000 per year (gross sales per household) annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Michigan'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 Michigan's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.