Cottage Food Label Requirements in Illinois
What Illinois 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 Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), via local health departments 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 Illinois requires
“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.”
Must be in prominent lettering. Labels also need the cottage food operation's name, the county/township/city/village of registration, your registration number, the common name of the product, and ingredients listed in descending order by weight.
Sales Cap & Registration
Annual Sales Cap
Registration & Permitting
Food Safety Course
What You Can (and Can't) Sell
Allowed
Not Allowed
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 →
Frequently Asked Questions
What must an Illinois cottage food label say?
In prominent lettering: "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." Plus your operation name, registration number, the county/city of registration, product name, and ingredients by weight.
Do I register with the state or my county in Illinois?
Your county or municipal health department, not IDPH directly — Illinois cottage food registration happens at the local level.
Is there a sales cap for Illinois cottage food operations?
Not at the state level anymore — Illinois removed its statewide sales cap. However, some local health departments may apply their own limits, so check with yours.
Do I need a food safety certification in Illinois?
Generally yes — an ANSI-accredited Certified Food Protection Manager certificate is typically required before your local health department will register you.