AFDO Cottage Foods

This document provides guidance to government food safety regulatory officials for the oversight of cottage food operations and represents a consensus opinion of best practices and limitations on this somewhat controversial matter.

The popularity of farmers’ markets has surged in recent years and, as a result, an increase in the desire of many individuals to establish a cottage food business. Locally-grown and produced food is becoming more prevalent today, but laws that govern these entities are non-uniform. Setting standards that preserve public health while still allowing for economic opportunity has become a difficult task for state and local officials.