Georgia Cottage Food Law 2026
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
CottageFoodLicense.com is an informational platform, not a law firm. The information provided by our AI Checker, templates, and guides does not constitute legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently. You must verify all information with your local health department before selling products.
Allowed
- ✓Loaf breads
- ✓Biscuits
- ✓Cakes
- ✓Pastries
- ✓Candy
- ✓Fruit pies
- ✓Jams
Prohibited
- ✕Meat
- ✕Dairy
- ✕Cut fruit
- ✕Vegetables
Labeling Protocols
01Business name and telephone number of the cottage food operator
02Physical address OR a GDA-issued Identification Number in lieu of address
03Ingredients (descending weight)
04Net weight
05Allergens (if shipped interstate, FALCPA applies separately)
06Verbatim statement in at least 10-point font: 'This product was produced at a residential property that is exempt from state inspection. This product may contain allergens.' (O.C.G.A. § 26-2-473(a)(2))
07Disclosure may appear on the package label, bulk container, point-of-sale placard, or webpage; phone/custom orders may disclose verbally
08Third-party vendors must display cottage food items in a separate, conspicuously labeled section
FAQs
Do I need a license?
No. HB 398 (effective July 1, 2025) eliminated Georgia's state cottage food license. No fee, no registration, no routine inspection required.
Is food safety training required?
Yes — ANSI-accredited Food Handler training (not the more rigorous Food Manager certification). Online courses typically run $5–15 and take 1–2 hours.
Can I sell to retail stores and restaurants?
Yes — HB 398 newly permits sales to third-party retailers (grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants), provided they display cottage foods in a separate, clearly labeled section. Local ordinances may further restrict this.
Is there a sales cap?
No. Georgia has no statutory annual revenue limit for cottage food operations.
What Comes Next
After You Verify Compliance: Your Next 4 Steps
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- 01
Liability Shield
Form an LLC
Separating your personal finances from your cottage food business protects your home and savings if a customer ever brings a claim. Both providers below file in all 50 states and handle registered agent service for Georgia.
- 02
Protect Your Kitchen
Get Product Liability Insurance
A single allergy incident or contamination claim can erase years of profit. FLIP (Food Liability Insurance Program) is built specifically for cottage food operators — flat-rate annual policies with farmers market and online sales coverage included.
- 03
Required in Georgia
Complete Food Safety Training
Georgia requires a recognized food safety certification before you can sell. Learn2Serve offers an ANSI-accredited course you can complete online in a few hours.
- 04
Production Ready
Set Up Your Kitchen and Labels
The right thermometers, storage containers, scale, and label printer turn a home kitchen into a compliant production space. Our Week 11 equipment guide walks through what we use and the Georgia-specific labeling fields you'll need.
Official Sources
Verify current requirements directly with the state: