Georgia Department of Agriculture

Cottage Food Label Requirements in Georgia

What Georgia legally requires on your cottage food label — the required statement, sales cap, registration rules, and what you can (and can't) sell.

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This is not legal advice.

Cottage food laws change frequently and vary by county or local health department. Always confirm current requirements with Georgia Department of Agriculture or a local food safety professional before printing labels or selling product. View the official source. Last verified: 2026-08.

Required Label Statement

Exact wording Georgia requires

“MADE IN A COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO STATE FOOD SAFETY INSPECTIONS”

Must be all capital letters, in Times New Roman or Arial font, at least 10-point type, in a color that contrasts with the background (per Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 40-7-19).

Sales Cap & Registration

Annual Sales Cap

No annual gross sales cap found in current Georgia cottage food regulations.

Registration & Permitting

Complete an Identification Number Registration Form with the Georgia Department of Agriculture. As of HB 398 (effective July 1, 2025), Georgia removed its prior state licensing requirement and made it easier to sell to retail stores.

Food Safety Course

An ANSI-accredited food safety training program is required (a Food Handler course satisfies this).

What You Can (and Can't) Sell

Allowed

Non-potentially-hazardous foods: loaf breads, rolls, biscuits, cakes, pastries, cookies, candies and confections, fruit pies, jams/jellies/preserves, dried fruits, dry herbs and seasonings, cereals, trail mixes, granola, coated or uncoated nuts, vinegar and flavored vinegars, popcorn and popcorn balls, and cotton candy.

Not Allowed

Potentially hazardous foods requiring refrigeration or time/temperature control for safety.

Selling something that needs a full Nutrition Facts panel (like packaged prepared meals) instead of a cottage food disclosure? See our meal prep labeling guide →

Official Source

This page summarizes guidance published by Georgia Rules and Regulations – Cottage Food Regulations (Subject 40-7-19).

Last verified: 2026-08

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact Georgia cottage food label statement?

Georgia requires, in all capital letters, at least 10-point Times New Roman or Arial type in a contrasting color: "MADE IN A COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO STATE FOOD SAFETY INSPECTIONS."

Do I need a state license to sell cottage food in Georgia?

As of HB 398 (effective July 1, 2025), Georgia removed its prior state licensing requirement for cottage food operations. You still need to complete an Identification Number Registration Form with the Department of Agriculture.

Can I use my registration number instead of my address on the label?

Yes — Georgia lets you register for an identifier to place on your labels in lieu of your home address.

Is there a sales cap in Georgia?

Current Georgia cottage food regulations do not specify an annual gross sales cap.

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