Nevada Cottage Food Law 2026
Last reviewed:
License Required
Limit: $35,000 / 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
- ✓Non-potentially-hazardous baked goods
- ✓Candies
- ✓Jams, jellies, preserves
- ✓Nuts and nut mixes
- ✓Dry herbs and culinary seasoning mixes
- ✓Vinegar and flavored vinegar (strained, no inclusions)
- ✓Dried fruits (low-acid only; no melon)
- ✓Cereals, trail mixes, granola
- ✓Popcorn and popcorn balls
Prohibited
- ✕Meat
- ✕Poultry
- ✕Fish/seafood
- ✕Dairy products
- ✕Eggs
- ✕Cut melons
- ✕Garlic-in-oil
- ✕Low-acid canned foods
- ✕Any time/temperature-control-for-safety (TCS) food
- ✕Medicinal herbs
- ✕Alcohol
Labeling Protocols
01Name and address of the cottage food operation
02Common or usual name of the product
03Complete ingredient list (descending order by weight)
04Allergen disclosure (federal FALCPA)
05Statement (≥10-pt, contrasting color): 'MADE IN A COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT FOOD SAFETY INSPECTION.' (NRS 446.866(3))
FAQs
Is a kitchen inspection required?
No. Under NRS 446.866(4)–(5), cottage food operations are exempt from routine inspection. The health authority may inspect only to investigate an adulterated product or a confirmed/suspected foodborne illness outbreak.
Do I need a permit?
Not a permit — a Registration. Before any sale, the operator must register with the local health authority (SNHD in Clark County, NNPH in Washoe County, Carson City HHS in Carson City/Douglas, Central Nevada Health District, or DPBH for other rural counties).
What is the annual sales cap?
$35,000 gross per calendar year. Note: AB 352 (signed 2025) raises this to $100,000 and expands sales channels — but the change does not take effect until July 1, 2027.
Can I ship products or sell online?
No. Under current law (until July 1, 2027), all sales must be in-person, direct to the end consumer. Mail shipping, internet sales, and telephone orders are prohibited. A website may advertise but cannot include a ship/buy option.
Where can I sell?
From the operator's home, at licensed farmers markets, flea markets, swap meets, church bazaars, garage sales, and craft fairs. No wholesale, no consignment, no sales to restaurants or retail food establishments.
What must my label say?
Operator name and address, product name, full ingredient list in descending weight order, allergen disclosure, and this verbatim statement in at least 10-point type with clear contrast: 'MADE IN A COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT FOOD SAFETY INSPECTION.'
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 Nevada.
- 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 Nevada
Complete Food Safety Training
Nevada 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 Nevada-specific labeling fields you'll need.
Official Sources
Verify current requirements directly with the state:
- NRS 446.866 (governing statute)
- Nevada DPBH — Cottage Foods Registration
- DPBH Cottage Food Operations Guide (2023 PDF)
- Southern Nevada Health District — Cottage Food (Clark County)
- Northern Nevada Public Health — Cottage Food (Washoe County)
- AB 352 (2025) — expands cottage food law, effective July 1, 2027
At a Glance
Permit Fee
$0
Varies by health district. SNHD (Clark County) charges the highest (reported >$200/yr); Carson City HHS charges no fee; rural DPBH/CNHD fees are nominal. NRS 446.866 caps any fee at the 'actual cost' of maintaining the registry.
Renewal
Varies by district (SNHD treats as annual; Carson City HHS issues once with no renewal unless complaint)
Shipping