Cottage Food Laws in Pennsylvania (2026)
Complete guide to Pennsylvania's cottage food laws: No limit annual limit, registration required, and online sales allowed.
PA has no annual sales cap — one of few states with no limit. Also one of the only states that explicitly allows interstate sales. Operates under "Limited Food Establishment" program, not a traditional cottage food law.
Quick Facts for Pennsylvania
Annual Sales Limit
No limit
Registration/Permit
Required — Must register as a Limited Food Establishment (LFE) with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Pennsylvania does not have a traditional "cottage food law" — home producers operate under the LFE program.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Not required
Online Sales
Yes — online ordering allowed
Governing Agency
Legislation: Act 106 of 2021 (Limited Food Establishment program)
What You Can Sell in Pennsylvania
Allowed Products
- Baked goods (bread, cookies, cakes, pastries)
- Candy and confections
- Jams, jellies, and fruit butters
- Honey and maple syrup
- Dried herbs and herb mixes
- Popcorn and snack mixes
- Granola and cereal
- Meat jerky
- Acidified foods (pH ≤ 4.6, with lab testing)
- Fermented foods (with lab testing)
- Coated and uncoated nuts
- Dry mixes
Not Allowed
- Time/temperature controlled for safety (TCS) foods
- Milk and dairy products
- Eggs (as a standalone product)
- Cooked pasta or vegetables requiring refrigeration
- Raw or undercooked meat
Where You Can Sell in Pennsylvania
Labeling Requirements in Pennsylvania
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Pennsylvania
Verify your products are allowed
Pennsylvania allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Consider food safety training (optional)
Pennsylvania does not require food handler certification, but taking one builds customer trust and helps you follow best practices.
Register with your state
Must register as a Limited Food Establishment (LFE) with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Pennsylvania does not have a traditional "cottage food law" — home producers operate under the LFE program.
Set up proper labeling
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania. Track your sales to stay within the No limit annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Pennsylvania'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 Pennsylvania's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.