Illinois Cottage Food Laws

Illinois lets people make most foods in their home kitchens, or in a suitable kitchen on a farm, and sell them directly to consumers as cottage food operations. Operators register with their local health department, pay no more than $50 and hold a Certified Food Protection Manager certificate. Since Jan. 1, 2022, under the Home-to-Market Act, there is no sales cap, and non-potentially hazardous foods may be shipped within Illinois. This guide covers what you can sell, how you can sell, labeling and when you need a license instead.

Disclaimer: This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and local zoning, HOA and tax rules vary. Confirm current requirements with your local health department, the Illinois Department of Public Health, or IDPH, or an attorney before you start selling.

Quick facts

• Cottage food operators must register with the local health department where they live. Once registered, they may sell in any county. 410 ILCS 625/4; 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)
• The registration fee is capped at $50. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)
• Operators and anyone helping them must hold a Certified Food Protection Manager, or CFPM, certificate. A food handler card does not qualify. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)
• All foods are allowed except those the law prohibits, such as meat, seafood and cheesecake. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)
• No sales cap. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)
• Sales must be direct to consumers within Illinois. Shipping in Illinois is allowed only for non-potentially hazardous foods. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)

What the law calls it

• Illinois uses "cottage food operation" in the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act. The Home-to-Market Act of 2021 expanded it. "Home bakery" is an everyday name, not this legal category. 410 ILCS 625/4; 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)

Foods you can sell

• Since Jan. 1, 2018, all food and drink is allowed except what the law prohibits. Some higher-risk products, such as acidified foods, require testing or an approved process. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)
• Frostings such as buttercream may contain dairy, but not raw eggs. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)

Foods you cannot sell

• Meat, poultry, fish, seafood and shellfish; dairy, except as an ingredient in a non-potentially hazardous baked good, candy or frosting; eggs, except in non-potentially hazardous foods or cooked frosting; pumpkin pies, sweet potato pies, cheesecakes, custard pies, creme pies and pastries with potentially hazardous fillings; garlic in oil unless acidified; low-acid canned foods; sprouts; most cut leafy greens; cut or puréed fresh tomato or melon; dehydrated tomato or melon; frozen cut melon; wild-harvested mushrooms; and alcoholic beverages and kombucha. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)

Sales limit

• None. IDPH guidance says earlier sales limits no longer apply. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)

Where and how you can sell

• Directly to consumers in Illinois, including at farmers markets, fairs and events, from the home or farm, on private property with permission, online and by delivery. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)
• Shipping: allowed within Illinois for non-potentially hazardous foods only. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)
• Out of state: not allowed. Crossing state lines puts producers under FDA rules and the laws of the other states. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)
• Wholesale and sales to stores or coffee shops: not allowed. The operator or an employee must make each sale. Vending machines and leaving products in a craft mall without staff are not allowed. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)

Labeling rules

• Cottage food must be prepackaged and labeled with the common name; all ingredients in descending order by weight; major allergens; net weight; the processing date; the local registration number; the name of the municipality or county where the registration was filed; and, in prominent lettering, "This product was produced in a home kitchen not inspected by a health department that may also process common allergens. If you have safety concerns, contact your local health department." IDPH cottage food labeling checklist
• The local health department where the food is sold may allow unpackaged sales with other written notice. IDPH cottage food labeling checklist
• A sign of at least 8 by 10 inches with the required statement must be displayed at the point of sale, including on the shop page for online sales. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)

Registration and training

• Register with the local health department in the county or municipality where you live. The department may ask for product lists, labels and test results. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)
• The CFPM certificate must be renewed every five years. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)

Zoning, HOAs and local rules

• Selling from home is allowed if you follow local zoning rules that are consistent with state law. Local governments may also regulate signs, street carts and sidewalk stands. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)
• Check your HOA documents, since the guidance does not address private covenants.

Inspections

• Kitchens are not routinely inspected on registration. A local health department may inspect after a complaint, an illness report or a finding of misbranding or adulteration. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)

When you need a license instead

• A licensed commercial kitchen is needed to sell prohibited foods, to sell wholesale or through stores or to sell outside Illinois. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)

Timeline

• 2012: Illinois' cottage food law is enacted. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)
• Jan. 1, 2018: the law is expanded to allow all foods except those prohibited. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)
• Jan. 1, 2022: the Home-to-Market Act takes effect, allowing direct sales within Illinois, including online sales, delivery and in-state shipping. 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)
• Oct. 13, 2026: this page was last reviewed against IDPH guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to sell cottage food in Illinois?

You need to register with your local health department and hold a CFPM certificate, but no food establishment license. Sources: 410 ILCS 625/4; 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension).

How much does cottage food registration cost in Illinois?

No more than $50, set by your local health department. Source: 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension).

Is there a sales cap in Illinois?

No. Earlier sales limits no longer apply. Source: 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension).

Can I sell cottage food online in Illinois?

Yes, to consumers within Illinois, with the required statement shown on the shop page. Source: 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension).

Can I ship cottage food in Illinois?

Yes, within Illinois for non-potentially hazardous foods only. You may not ship or deliver out of state. Source: 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension).

Can I sell to a coffee shop or grocery store?

No. Cottage foods may be sold only by the operator or an employee directly to consumers, not wholesale. Source: 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension).

Can I sell cheesecake or pumpkin pie?

No. Both are on the prohibited list. Source: 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension).

Can I use buttercream frosting?

Yes. Dairy is allowed in frosting, but raw eggs are not. Source: 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension).

What does an Illinois cottage food label need to say?

The required information plus your registration number, registering county or municipality and "This product was produced in a home kitchen not inspected by a health department that may also process common allergens. If you have safety concerns, contact your local health department." Source: IDPH cottage food labeling checklist.

Is a food handler card enough?

No. Cottage food operators need a Certified Food Protection Manager certificate. Source: 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension).

Official sources

• 410 ILCS 625/4 (Illinois General Assembly)
• IDPH: Cottage Food
• IDPH Cottage Food Labeling checklist (Dec. 26, 2025)
• 2026 Cottage Food Guide (IDPH and University of Illinois Extension)

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change, and local zoning, HOA and tax rules vary. Confirm current requirements with your local health department, the Illinois Department of Public Health, or IDPH, or an attorney before you start selling.