This is not legal advice.
Cottage food laws change frequently and vary by county or local health department. Always confirm current requirements with Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) 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 Michigan requires
“Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.”
Must be at least 11-point type (about 1/8 inch tall), in a color that contrasts with the background. All capital letters or standard upper/lower case are both acceptable. Hand-printed labels are allowed if clearly legible and written in durable, permanent ink at the required size.
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 is the required Michigan cottage food label statement?
Your label must say, in at least 11-point type in a contrasting color: "Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development."
How much can I sell under Michigan's cottage food law?
As of the March 2026 update, up to $50,000 per year in gross sales, or up to $75,000 per year if your products are priced at $250 or more per unit. This cap is set to be indexed to inflation starting October 2026, so confirm the current number with MDARD.
Do I need a license to sell cottage food in Michigan?
No license is required, but you must keep sales records and provide them to an MDARD inspector if asked.
Can I hand-write my Michigan cottage food labels?
Yes, as long as they're clearly legible, written with durable, permanent ink, and the required statement is printed large enough to meet the 11-point-equivalent size requirement.