Illinois Cottage Food Law 2026
Last reviewed:
License Required
Limit: Unlimited / Year
⚠️ 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
- ✓Baked goods (non-TCS)
- ✓Candies and confections
- ✓Jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters
- ✓Dried herbs and seasonings
- ✓Dry mixes
- ✓Honey and maple syrup
- ✓Dehydrated foods
- ✓High-acid canned goods (USDA/Extension-tested recipes)
- ✓Fermented/acidified foods with pH testing (pickles, hot sauces, BBQ sauces)
- ✓Popcorn and kettle corn
- ✓Some baked goods containing cheese (with lab testing)
Prohibited
- ✕Meat, poultry, fish, seafood, shellfish
- ✕Dairy (except as an ingredient in non-TCS baked goods, candy, or frosting)
- ✕Raw eggs (cooked eggs as ingredient allowed)
- ✕Fresh-cut fruits and vegetables
- ✕Low-acid canned foods
- ✕TCS (time/temperature-control) foods not otherwise permitted
Labeling Protocols
01Business name and unit of local government (county/municipality)
02LHD-issued registration number
03Common or usual product name
04Ingredients in descending order by weight
05Allergen statement (Big 9: milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, soybeans, fish, crustacean shellfish, sesame, tree nuts)
06Net weight or volume
07Statutory disclaimer (also required on a placard/sign at point of sale): 'This product was produced in a home kitchen not inspected by a health department that may also process common food allergens. If you have safety concerns, contact your local health department.'
FAQs
Do I need a license to sell cottage foods in Illinois?
Yes. You must register annually with your county/local health department (fee capped at $50 per 410 ILCS 625/4) and hold a current ANSI-accredited Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate.
Is there a sales limit?
No. Under the Home-to-Market Act (P.A. 102-633, eff. Jan 1, 2022), Cottage Food Operations under 410 ILCS 625/4 have no annual or monthly sales cap. The $1,000/month cap applies only to the separate Home Kitchen Operation category (410 ILCS 625/3.6), and only in localities that have opted in.
Can I ship cottage foods?
Within Illinois, yes — non-TCS shelf-stable products may be shipped via USPS or parcel in tamper-evident packaging. Out-of-state shipping is prohibited (interstate commerce is FDA-regulated).
Can I sell online?
Yes, to Illinois consumers only. Direct delivery, home pickup, and third-party pickup locations (with owner consent) are all allowed.
Can I sell at farmers markets?
Yes, including mobile farmers markets (added by P.A. 103-903 in 2024). Illinois supports farmers-market sales broadly.
What disclaimer must my label include?
The exact statutory language: 'This product was produced in a home kitchen not inspected by a health department that may also process common food allergens. If you have safety concerns, contact your local health department.' This must also be posted at the point of sale.
What Comes Next
After You Verify Compliance: Your Next 4 Steps
Some links below are affiliate links — we earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only recommend services we'd suggest to a friend. Full disclosure.
- 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 Illinois.
- 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 Illinois
Complete Food Safety Training
Illinois 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 Illinois-specific labeling fields you'll need.
Official Sources
Verify current requirements directly with the state:
At a Glance
Permit Fee
$50
Annual LHD registration fee capped at $50 per 410 ILCS 625/4. CFPM course/exam typically $100–$200 (5-year validity per P.A. 103-903, 2024).
Renewal
Annual
Shipping