Alaska Cottage Food Laws
Last reviewed Oct. 13, 2026
Alaska's homemade food exemption, AS 17.20.332 through 17.20.338, took effect July 1, 2024. It exempts homemade food produced, sold and consumed under its rules from state labeling, licensing, packaging, permitting and inspection requirements. Sales must take place in Alaska, may not involve interstate commerce and must be for personal consumption. Shelf-stable foods may be sold by agents and third-party stores, but potentially hazardous foods must be sold by the producer. The law sets no sales cap. Local rules, such as those in Anchorage, may still apply. This guide covers what you can sell, how you can sell, labeling and when you need a permit instead.
Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and local zoning, HOA and tax rules vary. Confirm current requirements with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, your city or borough or an attorney before you start selling.
Quick facts
- Homemade food sold under the law is exempt from state labeling, licensing, packaging, permitting and inspection requirements. AS 17.20.332(a)
- Sales must occur in Alaska and may not involve interstate commerce. AS 17.20.332(b)
- The law sets no sales cap. AS 17.20.332
- Potentially hazardous homemade food, except eggs, must be sold by the producer. AS 17.20.332(f)
- Federal and local food laws still apply. AS 17.20.336
What the law calls it
- Alaska uses "homemade food," "producer," "potentially hazardous homemade food" and "personal consumption." Homemade food is food or drink made in a producer's private home kitchen or in a private or commercial kitchen leased to the producer. AS 17.20.338
Foods you can sell
- Homemade food and drinks, including potentially hazardous foods that need time or temperature control. AS 17.20.338; AS 17.20.332(f)
- Meat, meat products and homemade food containing meat may be sold subject to federal law. AS 17.20.332(h)
Foods you cannot sell
- Seafood, controlled substances, oil rendered from animal fat and game meat. Meat may be sold only as federal law allows. AS 17.20.332(b)(3), (h)
Sales limit
- The law does not set a dollar or volume limit. AS 17.20.332
Permits and registration
- No state permit or license is required. AS 17.20.332(a)
- DEC may still investigate illness, unsafe sanitation or misbranded or adulterated food, and may inspect on request. AS 17.20.336
- Local laws still apply, so check with your city or borough. AS 17.20.336(2)(A)
- Ask DEC whether its separate cottage food exemption is still in effect.
Where and how you can sell
- At a farmers market, agricultural fair, farm, ranch, the producer's home or office, a third-party seller's retail location or any location the producer and buyer agree on, all within Alaska. AS 17.20.332(b)(2)
- Agents and stores: eggs and foods that are not potentially hazardous may be sold by the producer, an agent or a third-party vendor, including a retail shop or grocery store. AS 17.20.332(f)
- Online and mail: the law does not mention online or mail sales. All sales must occur in Alaska. AS 17.20.332(b)(2)
- Shipping to other states: not allowed. Sales may not involve interstate commerce. AS 17.20.332(b)(3)(A)
- Restaurants: homemade food, except raw, unprocessed fruits and vegetables, may not be sold or used in a commercial food establishment. AS 17.20.332(c)
Labeling rules
- Packaged homemade food must be labeled with the producer's name, current address, phone number and any business license number, and: "This food was made in a home kitchen, is not regulated or inspected, except for meat and meat products, and may contain allergens." AS 17.20.332(e)
- For unpackaged food, tell the buyer before the sale that it is not subject to state inspection rules and give your name, address, phone number and any business license number. AS 17.20.332(g)
- Stores must post a sign that the food was made in a home kitchen, may contain allergens and is not regulated or inspected, and may not shelve it with inspected food. AS 17.20.332(d)
Zoning, HOAs and local rules
- The law does not exempt you from local laws and ordinances on food. Check with your city or borough. AS 17.20.336(2)(A)
- Check your HOA documents, since the state does not review private covenants.
Inspections
- No routine state inspection. DEC may inspect to investigate foodborne illness, unsafe sanitation or misbranded or adulterated food. AS 17.20.336(1)(A)
When you need a permit instead
- Out-of-state sales, seafood and food sold or used in a commercial food establishment fall outside the exemption and require a DEC food permit. AS 17.20.332(b), (c); AS 17.20.336(1)(D)
Timeline
- July 1, 2024: the homemade food sections created by HB 251 took effect. 2024 HB 251
- Oct. 13, 2026: this page was last reviewed against the Alaska Statutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to sell homemade food in Alaska?
No state permit is needed if you follow AS 17.20.332. Local rules may apply. Sources: AS 17.20.332(a); AS 17.20.336.
Is there a sales cap in Alaska?
No. The law does not set one. Source: AS 17.20.332.
Can I ship homemade food out of Alaska?
No. Sales may not involve interstate commerce. Source: AS 17.20.332(b)(3)(A).
Can I sell homemade food online in Alaska?
The law does not mention online sales, but sales must occur in Alaska. Source: AS 17.20.332(b)(2).
Can I sell homemade food in stores in Alaska?
Yes, for eggs and foods that are not potentially hazardous, with a sign and separate shelving. Sources: AS 17.20.332(d); AS 17.20.332(f).
Can I sell homemade food to restaurants in Alaska?
No, except raw, unprocessed fruits and vegetables. Source: AS 17.20.332(c).
Can I sell perishable foods in Alaska?
Yes, but you must be both the producer and the seller. Source: AS 17.20.332(f).
Can I sell smoked salmon under Alaska's homemade food law?
No. Seafood is excluded. Source: AS 17.20.332(b)(3)(B).
What must an Alaska homemade food label say?
Your name, address, phone number and "This food was made in a home kitchen, is not regulated or inspected, except for meat and meat products, and may contain allergens." Source: AS 17.20.332(e).
Official sources
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and local zoning, HOA and tax rules vary. Confirm current requirements with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, your city or borough or an attorney before you start selling.
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