Cottage Food Laws in Mississippi (2026)
Complete guide to Mississippi's cottage food laws: $35,000 per year annual limit, no registration required, and in-person sales only.
Mississippi does not require any permits, registration, or food handler certification. Online sales, mail order, retail store sales, restaurant sales, and wholesale are all prohibited — sales must be direct to consumer and in person within Mississippi.
Quick Facts for Mississippi
Annual Sales Limit
$35,000 per year
Registration/Permit
No registration, permit, or license from the health department is required.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Not required
Online Sales
No — in-person sales only
Governing Agency
Mississippi State Department of Health, Food Protection Division
Legislation: Mississippi Code §75-29-951; SB 2553 (2013), HB 326 (2020)
What You Can Sell in Mississippi
Allowed Products
- Breads and baked goods
- Cookies, cakes, brownies, and donuts
- Candy and chocolate-covered items
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Pickles and vinegars
- Mustards
- Dry goods (cereals, spices, pasta)
- Granola and popcorn
- Nuts and seeds
- Nut butters
- Fermented foods
Not Allowed
- Perishable baked goods requiring refrigeration
- Foods containing meat or cheese
- Juices
- Foods requiring temperature control for safety
- Canned low-acid foods
Where You Can Sell in Mississippi
Labeling Requirements in Mississippi
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Mississippi
Verify your products are allowed
Mississippi allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Mississippi State Department of Health, Food Protection Division.
Consider food safety training (optional)
Mississippi does not require food handler certification, but taking one builds customer trust and helps you follow best practices.
No registration needed — just start
Mississippi does not require registration, permits, or licenses for cottage food operations. You can start selling immediately.
Set up proper labeling
Mississippi 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 Mississippi. Track your sales to stay within the $35,000 per year annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Mississippi'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 Mississippi's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.