If you are researching louisiana cottage laws 2026, you are likely looking for clear guidance on how to legally sell homemade food from your home kitchen. Louisiana allows residents to operate cottage food businesses under specific rules designed to support small producers while protecting public health.
At a Glance
- Best for: Home bakers and small food producers in Louisiana
- Registration required: Yes — with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
- Sales cap: $30,000 in gross annual sales
- Where you can sell: Direct-to-consumer within Louisiana
- Shipping: In-state only
- Home inspections: Not required
Overview: How Louisiana Cottage Laws Work
Louisiana cottage laws allow individuals to prepare and sell certain non-potentially hazardous foods from a home kitchen without operating a licensed commercial facility. The program is overseen by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF).
The law is intended to lower barriers for small food businesses while limiting food safety risks by restricting products to shelf-stable foods and limiting annual sales.
Step-by-Step: How to Operate Under Louisiana Cottage Laws
1. Confirm Your Foods Are Allowed
Louisiana permits only foods that do not require refrigeration for safety. Common allowed foods include:
- Breads, cookies, cakes, and brownies without cream fillings
- Candies and chocolate products
- Jams, jellies, and fruit preserves
- Dry mixes, spices, and seasoning blends
- Granola, popcorn, and roasted nuts
Foods such as cheesecakes, meat products, dairy-based items, and acidified or canned foods are not permitted.
2. Register With the State
Louisiana requires cottage food operators to register with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Registration includes:
- Submitting a completed cottage food registration form
- Paying the required registration fee
- Completing an approved food safety training course
3. Follow Required Labeling Rules
Each cottage food product must be properly labeled with:
- Name of the cottage food business
- Producer’s city, state, and ZIP code
- Product name
- Full ingredient list in descending weight order
- Major allergen disclosures
- Net weight or volume
- A statement indicating the food was made in a home kitchen not inspected by the state
4. Sell Only Through Approved Channels
Louisiana allows direct-to-consumer sales only. Approved sales methods include:
- In-person sales
- Farmers markets and fairs
- Online orders with in-state delivery or pickup
Wholesale sales and interstate shipping are not allowed.
5. Stay Under the Annual Sales Limit
Cottage food operations in Louisiana are limited to $30,000 in gross annual sales. Exceeding this limit requires transitioning to a licensed commercial kitchen and additional permits.
Legal and Food-Safety Considerations
Although home kitchens are not inspected, Louisiana cottage food operators are legally responsible for food safety. Improper labeling, selling prohibited foods, or causing foodborne illness may result in enforcement action, fines, or loss of registration.
Common Mistakes
- Selling foods that require refrigeration
- Missing or incorrect labeling statements
- Exceeding the annual sales cap
- Selling across state lines
- Assuming all homemade foods qualify
People Also Ask
Do you need a license for cottage food in Louisiana?
No commercial food license is required, but registration with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is mandatory.
Can you sell cottage food online in Louisiana?
Yes. Online sales are allowed as long as delivery or pickup occurs within Louisiana.
Is there a sales limit under Louisiana cottage laws?
Yes. Cottage food businesses are limited to $30,000 in gross annual sales.
What foods are not allowed under Louisiana cottage laws?
Foods requiring refrigeration, meat products, dairy-based foods, and acidified or canned foods are prohibited.
External Resources
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Final Thoughts
Louisiana cottage laws for 2026 offer a clear and accessible path for home-based food businesses. By registering properly, selling only approved foods, and following labeling and sales limits, producers can operate legally and confidently within the state.