If you’re researching cottage food law Georgia, you’re likely interested in selling homemade food legally from your home kitchen. Georgia offers a structured cottage food program that allows qualifying producers to sell specific low-risk foods without operating a full commercial kitchen, as long as state rules are followed carefully.
At a Glance
- Best for: Home bakers and small food producers in Georgia
- License required: Yes — Georgia Cottage Food License
- Sales cap: $50,000 per year (current threshold)
- Where you can sell: Direct-to-consumer sales within Georgia
- Shipping: Allowed within Georgia only
- Inspections: No routine home kitchen inspection required
Overview: How Georgia Cottage Food Law Works
Georgia’s cottage food law allows individuals to prepare and sell approved non-potentially hazardous foods from an uninspected home kitchen. To operate legally, producers must obtain a Georgia Cottage Food License through the Georgia Department of Agriculture and follow strict labeling, food-type, and sales-channel rules.
This law is designed to help small producers start food businesses with lower startup costs while still protecting public health. However, Georgia’s program is more regulated than some states, making compliance especially important.
Step-by-Step: How to Operate Under Georgia Cottage Food Law
1. Confirm Your Food Products Are Allowed
Georgia only allows foods that are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration for safety. Common approved foods include:
- Breads, cookies, brownies, and cakes without cream fillings
- Candies and confections
- Jams and jellies made from approved recipes
- Dry mixes, granola, and cereals
- Roasted coffee and dry tea blends
Foods requiring refrigeration, such as cheesecakes, cream pies, meat products, or acidified foods, are not permitted.
2. Obtain a Georgia Cottage Food License
Unlike some states, Georgia requires a formal license. You must:
- Complete an approved food safety training course
- Submit a cottage food application to the Georgia Department of Agriculture
- Pay the required licensing fee
The license must be renewed annually.
3. Follow Strict Labeling Requirements
Every product sold under Georgia cottage food law must include a compliant label with:
- Name of the cottage food business
- Producer’s city, state, and ZIP code
- Product name
- Full ingredient list in descending weight order
- Allergen disclosures
- Net weight or volume
- The exact statement: “Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.”
4. Sell Only Through Approved Channels
Georgia restricts how cottage foods may be sold. Allowed sales include:
- Direct, in-person sales
- Farmers markets and roadside stands
- Online orders with in-state delivery or pickup
Wholesale sales, third-party resellers, and interstate shipping are not allowed.
5. Stay Under the Annual Sales Limit
Georgia imposes an annual gross sales cap. Once you exceed this limit, you must transition to a licensed commercial kitchen and a different type of food permit.
Legal and Food-Safety Considerations
Even without routine inspections, Georgia cottage food operators are legally responsible for food safety. Producers must prevent cross-contamination, follow safe storage practices, keep pets out of the kitchen during production, and comply with allergen labeling rules. Failure to comply can result in license suspension or fines.
Common Mistakes
- Selling prohibited or refrigerated foods
- Using incorrect or incomplete label statements
- Selling through retail stores or wholesalers
- Exceeding the annual sales cap without upgrading permits
- Assuming Georgia rules are the same as neighboring states
People Also Ask
Do you need a license for cottage food in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia requires a Cottage Food License issued by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Can you sell cottage food online in Georgia?
Yes, as long as sales are direct-to-consumer and delivery or pickup occurs within Georgia.
What foods are not allowed under Georgia cottage food law?
Foods requiring refrigeration, meat products, dairy-based desserts, and acidified or canned foods are prohibited.
Is there a sales limit for cottage food in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia imposes an annual gross sales cap. Exceeding it requires moving to a commercial kitchen.
External Resources
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Final Thoughts
Georgia’s cottage food law provides a clear but regulated path for home food businesses. By obtaining the proper license, following labeling rules, and selling only approved foods through approved channels, you can build a compliant and sustainable home-based food business in Georgia.