Maine Cottage Food Law
A complete guide to cottage food regulations in Maine (ME) — revenue limits, allowed products, labeling, and permitting requirements.
Requirements & Restrictions
Permitting & Registration
- Food Handler Certification
- Not required
- Business License
- Required
- State Registration
- Required — Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), Quality Assurance & Regulations Division
Where You Can Sell
- home (direct to consumer)
- retail stores
- wholesale
- public marketing
Allowed Products
- shelf-stable (non-potentially hazardous) foods
- jams and jellies, pickles, relishes, BBQ sauces, so long as they are lab tested
Prohibited Products
- potentially hazardous (perishable) foods requiring refrigeration or freezing
- home canned foods that require pressure cooking for sealing
Labeling Requirements
The following information must appear on every cottage food product label sold in Maine:
Additional Notes
Maine uses the term 'Home Food License' rather than 'cottage food.' License costs $20/year and requires an initial inspection by DACF staff; annual inspections are NOT required. No label is required if the product is sold directly to the consumer from the home; labeling is required when sold outside the home (retail stores, wholesale, any public marketing). Labeling must include: (1) common or usual name of the product, (2) ingredients in order of predominance, (3) net weight/net volume/numerical count, (4) name, address, and zip code of the producer. Canned, shelf-stable products (pickles, relishes, BBQ sauces, etc.) must be submitted to the University of Maine Food Testing Services or another acidified process authority for review prior to licensing. No annual revenue cap is stated in the official source. Animals are allowed in the processing area during non-production time but must be removed before processing begins. The regulation is governed by DACF Chapter 345: Home Food Manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the annual revenue limit for cottage food businesses in Maine?
- Maine does not impose a stated annual revenue limit on cottage food producers.
- Do I need a food handler certification to sell cottage food in Maine?
- No. Maine does not require a food handler certification for cottage food producers.
- Is a business license required for cottage food sales in Maine?
- Yes. Cottage food producers in Maine are required to obtain a business license.
- Does Maine require cottage food producers to register with the state?
- Yes. Maine requires cottage food businesses to register with Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), Quality Assurance & Regulations Division.
- Where can I legally sell cottage food products in Maine?
- In Maine, cottage food products may be sold at: home (direct to consumer), retail stores, wholesale, public marketing.
- What allergen labeling standard applies to cottage food in Maine?
- Maine follows the FDA Big Nine allergen standard for cottage food labeling.
- What products are allowed under Maine cottage food law?
- The following product categories are permitted for cottage food production in Maine: shelf-stable (non-potentially hazardous) foods, jams and jellies, pickles, relishes, BBQ sauces, so long as they are lab tested.
- What products are prohibited under Maine cottage food law?
- The following products may not be sold under Maine's cottage food exemption: potentially hazardous (perishable) foods requiring refrigeration or freezing, home canned foods that require pressure cooking for sealing.