Alabama Cottage Food Law
A complete guide to cottage food regulations in Alabama (AL) — revenue limits, allowed products, labeling, and permitting requirements.
Requirements & Restrictions
Permitting & Registration
- Food Handler Certification
- Required
- Business License
- Not required
- State Registration
- Required — Local County Health Department (Alabama Department of Public Health) — via Cottage Food Review Form
Where You Can Sell
- Direct to consumer in-person
- By phone (direct to consumer)
- Online (direct to consumer, within Alabama only)
- By mail (delivery within Alabama)
- Through an agent of the producer (delivery within Alabama)
- Farmers markets (state-sanctioned, under Farmers Market Authority, Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries)
- Mobile food unit (not permitted by health department)
- Van, cart, tent, booth, or storefront (not permitted by health department)
Allowed Products
- Cakes
- Breads
- Danish pastries
- Donuts
- Pastries
- Pies
- Jam
- Jellies
- Fruit preserves
- Candy
- Dried and dehydrated herbs
- Dried and dehydrated herb mixes
- Dried and dehydrated vegetables
- Dried and dehydrated fruits
- Roasted coffee
- Dried baking mixes
- Fermented or preserved vegetables (with pH verification, no alcohol production)
- Fermented or preserved fruits (with pH verification, no alcohol production)
Prohibited Products
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
Labeling Requirements
The following information must appear on every cottage food product label sold in Alabama:
Additional Notes
1. Annual revenue cap was removed by the 2021 update (SB160); there is no longer any income limit. 2. All labeling must be in at least 10-point font. 3. The label must include a 'statement that the food is not inspected by the health department' and a 'disclaimer that the food may contain allergens' — verbatim disclaimer text is not quoted in the official source. 4. Food safety course certification must be renewed every 5 years; ANSI-accredited courses are accepted in addition to the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service course. 5. Fermented/acidified products (e.g., pickles, salsa) require pH verification from a processing authority before sale. 6. A QR code is NOT allowed in lieu of required label information (contact info or ingredients list). 7. Products may NOT be sold in restaurants, retail stores on consignment, or in health-department-permitted establishments. 8. Cottage food producers may sell at state-sanctioned farmers markets but should consult the Farmers Market Authority (Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries). 9. Local county health department fees for label/certificate review vary by county. 10. The primary source PDF (cottagfoodlawinformation.pdf) was revised 4/12/2022; the FAQ PDF was published 4/06/2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the annual revenue limit for cottage food businesses in Alabama?
- Alabama does not impose a stated annual revenue limit on cottage food producers.
- Do I need a food handler certification to sell cottage food in Alabama?
- Yes. Alabama requires cottage food producers to hold a valid food handler certification.
- Is a business license required for cottage food sales in Alabama?
- No. Alabama does not require a business license to operate a cottage food business.
- Does Alabama require cottage food producers to register with the state?
- Yes. Alabama requires cottage food businesses to register with Local County Health Department (Alabama Department of Public Health) — via Cottage Food Review Form.
- Where can I legally sell cottage food products in Alabama?
- In Alabama, cottage food products may be sold at: Direct to consumer in-person, By phone (direct to consumer), Online (direct to consumer, within Alabama only), By mail (delivery within Alabama), Through an agent of the producer (delivery within Alabama), Farmers markets (state-sanctioned, under Farmers Market Authority, Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries), Mobile food unit (not permitted by health department), Van, cart, tent, booth, or storefront (not permitted by health department).
- What allergen labeling standard applies to cottage food in Alabama?
- Alabama follows the CUSTOM for cottage food labeling.
- What products are allowed under Alabama cottage food law?
- The following product categories are permitted for cottage food production in Alabama: Cakes, Breads, Danish pastries, Donuts, Pastries, Pies, Jam, Jellies, Fruit preserves, Candy, Dried and dehydrated herbs, Dried and dehydrated herb mixes, Dried and dehydrated vegetables, Dried and dehydrated fruits, Roasted coffee, Dried baking mixes, Fermented or preserved vegetables (with pH verification, no alcohol production), Fermented or preserved fruits (with pH verification, no alcohol production).
- What products are prohibited under Alabama cottage food law?
- The following products may not be sold under Alabama's cottage food exemption: Meat, Poultry, Fish.