Minnesota Cottage Food Law
A complete guide to cottage food regulations in Minnesota (MN) — revenue limits, allowed products, labeling, and permitting requirements.
Requirements & Restrictions
Permitting & Registration
- Food Handler Certification
- Not required
- Business License
- Not required
- State Registration
- Required — Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
Where You Can Sell
- community events
- farmers' markets
- directly from the producer's home
Allowed Products
- Non-potentially hazardous foods as stated by FDA
- home-canned fruits (pH 4.6 or lower or water activity 0.85 or less)
- home-canned vegetables (pH 4.6 or lower or water activity 0.85 or less)
- home-canned pickles (pH 4.6 or lower or water activity 0.85 or less)
- home-processed pet treats for dogs or cats (baked or dehydrated only)
Prohibited Products
- potentially hazardous foods (foods requiring refrigeration)
- foods sold to grocery stores
- foods sold to restaurants
- foods sold to other businesses (wholesale)
Labeling Requirements
The following information must appear on every cottage food product label sold in Minnesota:
Required Disclaimer
These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection.
Additional Notes
Two registration tiers currently in effect: Tier 1 (gross annual sales ≤ $7,665) — no registration fee, free online training required; Tier 2 (gross annual sales >$7,665 up to $78,000) — $50 registration fee, paid University of Minnesota Extension training required. Registration expires March 31 each year and must be renewed annually. Labels must include: producer name (or registered business name), registration number OR address, date of preparation, ingredients, allergens, and the disclaimer statement. A point-of-sale sign with the disclaimer is also required. Human cottage foods must be sold in person (no shipping); pet treats for dogs or cats may be shipped. Sales to grocery stores, restaurants, or other businesses are prohibited. A person holding a food handler license under MN §28A.04 is ineligible for the cottage food exemption. Qualifying entities: individual, sole proprietorship, single-member LLC owned by one individual, or LLC owned by two individuals residing at the same residence. 2025 legislative amendments will take effect August 1, 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the annual revenue limit for cottage food businesses in Minnesota?
- Minnesota cottage food producers may earn up to $78,000 per year from cottage food sales.
- Do I need a food handler certification to sell cottage food in Minnesota?
- No. Minnesota does not require a food handler certification for cottage food producers.
- Is a business license required for cottage food sales in Minnesota?
- No. Minnesota does not require a business license to operate a cottage food business.
- Does Minnesota require cottage food producers to register with the state?
- Yes. Minnesota requires cottage food businesses to register with Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).
- Where can I legally sell cottage food products in Minnesota?
- In Minnesota, cottage food products may be sold at: community events, farmers' markets, directly from the producer's home.
- What allergen labeling standard applies to cottage food in Minnesota?
- Minnesota follows the FDA Big Nine allergen standard for cottage food labeling.
- What products are allowed under Minnesota cottage food law?
- The following product categories are permitted for cottage food production in Minnesota: Non-potentially hazardous foods as stated by FDA, home-canned fruits (pH 4.6 or lower or water activity 0.85 or less), home-canned vegetables (pH 4.6 or lower or water activity 0.85 or less), home-canned pickles (pH 4.6 or lower or water activity 0.85 or less), home-processed pet treats for dogs or cats (baked or dehydrated only).
- What products are prohibited under Minnesota cottage food law?
- The following products may not be sold under Minnesota's cottage food exemption: potentially hazardous foods (foods requiring refrigeration), foods sold to grocery stores, foods sold to restaurants, foods sold to other businesses (wholesale).