Cottage Food Laws in Ohio (2026)
Complete guide to Ohio's cottage food laws: $75,000 per year annual limit, registration required, and in-person sales only.
Ohio requires registration AND a food safety course. No online sales allowed.
Quick Facts for Ohio
Annual Sales Limit
$75,000 per year
Registration/Permit
Required — Register with the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Requires a food safety course.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Yes — food safety course required
Online Sales
No — in-person sales only
Governing Agency
What You Can Sell in Ohio
Allowed Products
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Jams and jellies
- Fruit butters
- Granola
- Popcorn
- Dried herbs
- Honey
Not Allowed
- Refrigerated foods
- Meat and dairy
- Canned goods
- Acidified foods
Where You Can Sell in Ohio
Labeling Requirements in Ohio
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Ohio
Verify your products are allowed
Ohio allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Complete required food safety training
Ohio requires a food handler certification or food safety course. These are typically available online for $10-$30.
Register with your state
Register with the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Requires a food safety course.
Set up proper labeling
Ohio 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 Ohio. Track your sales to stay within the $75,000 per year annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Ohio'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 Ohio's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.