Missouri Cottage Food Law 2026
Last reviewed:
No License Needed
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-perishable)
- ✓Canned jams/jellies (standard recipes)
- ✓Dried herbs
- ✓Dried herb mixes
Prohibited
- ✕Meat
- ✕Dairy
- ✕Pickles
- ✕Salsas
- ✕Acidified/low-acid canned foods
- ✕Sauces
- ✕Fruit butters
- ✕Fermented foods
- ✕Honey
- ✕Nut butters
- ✕Syrups
- ✕Candy/fudge
- ✕Refrigerated baked goods
- ✕No-sugar-added or hot-pepper jams/jellies
- ✕Dry mixes
- ✕Dried fruit/vegetables
Labeling Protocols
01Producer name and address
02Statement that the food is not inspected by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services or local health department (DHSS recommended wording: 'This product is home-produced and processed and the production area has not been inspected by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.')
FAQs
Is there a sales cap?
No. The previous $50,000 annual gross income cap was removed by HB 1697, effective August 28, 2022. Missouri cottage food operations now have unlimited sales under RSMo § 196.298.
Do I need a permit or license?
No. RSMo § 196.298 expressly bars state and local permit, license, registration, inspection, and training requirements for qualifying cottage food operations.
What foods can I sell?
Only three categories: non-perishable baked goods, canned jams or jellies (standard recipes), and dried herbs/herb mixes. No-sugar-added or hot-pepper jams/jellies are excluded because pH/water activity may shift them into hazardous-food territory.
Can I sell online or ship?
Yes for in-state online sales — both producer and purchaser must be located in Missouri, and the order must be delivered/shipped within Missouri or picked up. Out-of-state shipping and interstate sales are not allowed.
Can I sell to grocery stores or restaurants?
No. Sales must be direct to the end consumer. Wholesale and resale to retail stores or restaurants are not permitted under § 196.298.
What must my label say?
Per § 196.298, the label must include the operation's name and address and a statement that the food is not inspected by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services or local health department. DHSS recommends the wording 'This product is home-produced and processed and the production area has not been inspected by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.' Federal FDA allergen disclosure best practices also apply.
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 Missouri.
- 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
Recommended in Missouri
Complete Food Safety Training
Missouri does not mandate food safety training, but completing one builds buyer trust and protects you if a labeling or handling question ever arises. Learn2Serve's online course takes 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 Missouri-specific labeling fields you'll need.
Official Sources
Verify current requirements directly with the state: