Missouri's cottage food law lets an individual make baked goods, canned jams or jellies and dried herbs or herb mixes at home and sell them directly to consumers. A cottage food production operation is not a food service establishment and is not subject to state health or food code laws other than RSMo 196.298 and the rules adopted under it.

Sources: RSMo 196.298.1(2), 196.298.2

License or permit

No state or local food permit is needed. Local health departments may not regulate the production of food at a cottage food production operation, but health officials keep records of complaints and may investigate foodborne illness or outbreaks. City or county business license and zoning rules may still apply.

Sources: RSMo 196.298.2, 196.298.3, 196.298.6; DHSS Home-Based Kitchen Food Production Guidance (August 2023)

Sales cap

Missouri has no sales cap. HB 1697 removed the earlier $50,000 annual gross income limit effective Aug. 28, 2022.

Sources: HB 1697 (2022), truly agreed and finally passed

What you can sell

You can sell baked goods that are not potentially hazardous, such as cookies, cakes, breads, Danish, doughnuts, pastries, pies and other items baked in an oven. You can also sell canned jams or jellies and dried herbs or herb mixes.

Sources: RSMo 196.298.1(1), 196.298.1(2)(a)

What you cannot sell

You cannot sell anything outside those three categories, including potentially hazardous baked goods. DHSS names meringue and cream pies as potentially hazardous and lists cut produce, baked goods garnished with fresh fruit, freeze-dried foods, salsa, pickles, sauces, sprouts, wild mushrooms, meats, dairy, eggs and pet foods. DHSS also says "no sugar added," "sugar free" and hot pepper jams and jellies cannot be sold under the cottage law.

Sources: RSMo 196.298.1; DHSS Home-Based Kitchen Food Production Guidance (August 2023)

How you can sell

You must sell directly to consumers, and the seller must be the person who made the food or a household member with extensive knowledge of it. Internet sales are allowed only when both the operation and the buyer are in Missouri, and DHSS says producers may not sell across state lines. Wholesale sales to stores, coffee shops or restaurants are not covered.

Sources: RSMo 196.298.1(2)(b), 196.298.5; DHSS Home-Based Kitchen Food Production Guidance (August 2023)

Labels

The label must include the name and address of the cottage food production operation and a statement that the food is not inspected by the Department of Health and Senior Services or the local health department. DHSS guidance also lists the common name of the food, ingredients in descending order by weight, net weight and any allergens.

Sources: RSMo 196.298.4; DHSS Home-Based Kitchen Food Production Guidance (August 2023)

Read the full Missouri cottage food law guide and FAQs

Missouri cottage food makers

Counties with listings

Kansas City Area (73 listings)

Cass County

Clay County

Jackson County

Johnson County

Lafayette County

Pettis County

Platte County

Ray County

Saline County

St. Louis Area (71 listings)

Franklin County

Jefferson County

St. Charles County

St. Louis County

St. Louis City

Central Missouri (57 listings)

Boone County

Callaway County

Camden County

Cole County

Howard County

Laclede County

Maries County

Miller County

Moniteau County

Osage County

Phelps County

Pulaski County

Washington County

Northwest Missouri (20 listings)

Andrew County

Buchanan County

Caldwell County

Carroll County

Chariton County

Clinton County

DeKalb County

Gentry County

Linn County

Nodaway County

Northeast Missouri (28 listings)

Adair County

Audrain County

Lewis County

Lincoln County

Macon County

Marion County

Monroe County

Montgomery County

Pike County

Ralls County

Randolph County

Warren County

Southwest Missouri (73 listings)

Barry County

Bates County

Benton County

Cedar County

Christian County

Greene County

Henry County

Hickory County

Jasper County

Lawrence County

Newton County

Polk County

Stone County

Taney County

Vernon County

Webster County

Southeast Missouri (43 listings)

Butler County

Cape Girardeau County

Dunklin County

Howell County

Iron County

Madison County