Michigan Cottage Food Law
A complete guide to cottage food regulations in Michigan (MI) — revenue limits, allowed products, labeling, and permitting requirements.
Requirements & Restrictions
Permitting & Registration
- Food Handler Certification
- Not required
- Business License
- Not required
- State Registration
- Not required — MSU Product Center (voluntary registration program)
Where You Can Sell
- Direct sale from cottage food operation to consumer
- Farmers markets
- Internet / online sales (with prior direct consumer interaction)
- Mail order (with prior direct consumer interaction)
- Third-party food delivery platforms (with prior direct consumer interaction)
- In-person sales via pay app
Allowed Products
- Non-potentially hazardous food. See website for more details.
Prohibited Products
- Bread with fresh vegetables or chunks of cheese
- Custard or cream-based pies
- Cakes that require refrigeration (e.g., cheesecake)
- Frosting or glaze made from ingredients requiring refrigeration (e.g., cream cheese frosting)
- Freeze-dried products made from temperature-controlled foods (e.g., ice cream, cheesecake)
- Tinctures
- Jams/jellies other than fruit jams/jellies as defined in 21 CFR part 150 (e.g., vegetable, hot pepper, low/no-sugar) or fruit/vegetable butters
- Garlic in oil mixtures
- Salad dressings, sauces, or condiments
- Cut melon, tomato, or leafy greens products
- Fresh pasta
- Caramel apples
- Beverages
- CBD, cannabis, or foods with these products
- Dairy or dairy products
- Dietary supplements
- Fish or fish products
- Canned fruit or vegetables
- Ice or ice products
- Meat or meat products
- Pet food or treats
- Pickled products
Labeling Requirements
The following information must appear on every cottage food product label sold in Michigan:
Required Disclaimer
Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan department of agriculture and rural development.
Additional Notes
Annual revenue cap: $50,000 gross sales (standard) OR $75,000 gross sales if selling cottage food products at $250 or more per unit — both limits in effect until October 1, 2026, after which the department may adjust annually based on the Detroit Consumer Price Index (CPI). The annualRevenueLimitCents field reflects the standard $50,000 cap. The $75,000 cap applies only when all units are priced at ≥$250; this is not captured as a separate field. Revenue is computed per-person at a particular domestic residence. Sales are restricted to within Michigan only. Cottage foods must be made, packaged, labeled, and stored in the operator's primary domestic residence. Registration with the MSU Product Center is voluntary (one-time fee ≤$50); registered operations may substitute their registration number and phone number for their address on the label. Unregistered operations must include name and address. The disclaimer must be printed in at least 11-point font in a color that clearly contrasts with the background. If any nutritional claim is made, appropriate federal labeling is required. bakerPhone is null because it is required only as an alternative to the address when the operator is registered with MSU Product Center. Sales by consignment or at wholesale are prohibited. Internet/mail-order/delivery platform sales require that the consumer had a prior direct interaction (face-to-face or virtual two-way communication) with the operation before purchase. PA 51 of 2025 (amending MCL 289.4102) was effective March 24, 2026, and is in effect as of the research date.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the annual revenue limit for cottage food businesses in Michigan?
- Michigan cottage food producers may earn up to $50,000 per year from cottage food sales.
- Do I need a food handler certification to sell cottage food in Michigan?
- No. Michigan does not require a food handler certification for cottage food producers.
- Is a business license required for cottage food sales in Michigan?
- No. Michigan does not require a business license to operate a cottage food business.
- Does Michigan require cottage food producers to register with the state?
- No. Michigan does not require cottage food producers to register with a state agency.
- Where can I legally sell cottage food products in Michigan?
- In Michigan, cottage food products may be sold at: Direct sale from cottage food operation to consumer, Farmers markets, Internet / online sales (with prior direct consumer interaction), Mail order (with prior direct consumer interaction), Third-party food delivery platforms (with prior direct consumer interaction), In-person sales via pay app.
- What allergen labeling standard applies to cottage food in Michigan?
- Michigan follows the FDA Big Nine allergen standard for cottage food labeling.
- What products are allowed under Michigan cottage food law?
- The following product categories are permitted for cottage food production in Michigan: Non-potentially hazardous food. See website for more details..
- What products are prohibited under Michigan cottage food law?
- The following products may not be sold under Michigan's cottage food exemption: Bread with fresh vegetables or chunks of cheese, Custard or cream-based pies, Cakes that require refrigeration (e.g., cheesecake), Frosting or glaze made from ingredients requiring refrigeration (e.g., cream cheese frosting), Freeze-dried products made from temperature-controlled foods (e.g., ice cream, cheesecake), Tinctures, Jams/jellies other than fruit jams/jellies as defined in 21 CFR part 150 (e.g., vegetable, hot pepper, low/no-sugar) or fruit/vegetable butters, Garlic in oil mixtures, Salad dressings, sauces, or condiments, Cut melon, tomato, or leafy greens products, Fresh pasta, Caramel apples, Beverages, CBD, cannabis, or foods with these products, Dairy or dairy products, Dietary supplements, Fish or fish products, Canned fruit or vegetables, Ice or ice products, Meat or meat products, Pet food or treats, Pickled products.