Cottage Food Laws in Tennessee (2026)
Complete guide to Tennessee's cottage food laws: No limit annual limit, no registration required, and online sales allowed.
Tennessee has one of the most permissive food freedom laws in the country. No license, no permit, no inspection, no sales cap, no food handler cert. Allows sale of many perishable foods direct to consumer. Cannot sell through restaurants. Perishable foods cannot be sold wholesale through retail stores.
Quick Facts for Tennessee
Annual Sales Limit
No limit
Registration/Permit
No license, permit, registration, or inspection required under the Tennessee Food Freedom Act.
Kitchen Inspection
No inspection required
Food Handler Certification
Not required
Online Sales
Yes — online ordering allowed
Governing Agency
Legislation: Tennessee Food Freedom Act (HB 813 / Public Chapter 862, 2022; amended by HB 130 / SB 484, 2025)
What You Can Sell in Tennessee
Allowed Products
- Baked goods
- Candy and confections
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Honey
- Dried herbs and spices
- Popcorn and snack mixes
- Granola and cereal
- Many perishable foods (sold direct to consumer)
- Most foods except those specifically prohibited
Not Allowed
- Alcoholic beverages
- Unpasteurized milk
- Foods containing alcoholic beverages
- Fish and shellfish products
- Meat, meat by-products, poultry, or poultry by-products (except as permitted by federal law)
Where You Can Sell in Tennessee
Labeling Requirements in Tennessee
Every product you sell must include these on the label:
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in Tennessee
Verify your products are allowed
Tennessee allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
Consider food safety training (optional)
Tennessee does not require food handler certification, but taking one builds customer trust and helps you follow best practices.
No registration needed — just start
Tennessee does not require registration, permits, or licenses for cottage food operations. You can start selling immediately.
Set up proper labeling
Tennessee 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 Tennessee. Track your sales to stay within the No limit annual limit.
Need more help?
Ask our AI assistant about Tennessee'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 Tennessee's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.