This is not legal advice.
Cottage food laws change frequently and vary by county or local health department. Always confirm current requirements with New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets 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 New York requires
“"Not subject to New York State inspection" plus one of: "Made in a Home Kitchen," "Made at Home by [Name]," or "Made in the Home Kitchen of [Name]"”
The home-kitchen disclosure must appear in at least 1/16-inch type. Labels must also include the product name, ingredient list in descending order by weight, net weight/volume, and all major allergens.
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 has to be on a New York home-processed food label?
Your label needs the product name, ingredient list (descending by weight), net weight/volume, all major allergens, your name and address, the statement "Not subject to New York State inspection," and a home-kitchen disclosure such as "Made in a Home Kitchen" in at least 1/16-inch type.
Is there a sales limit for New York home processors?
No — New York does not cap annual gross sales for registered Home Processors, though you must sell only within New York State.
Do I need to register with New York State to sell homemade food?
Yes. You must register as a Home Processor with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets. It's free and needs to be renewed every two years.
Can I sell my home-processed food outside New York?
No — the Home Processor exemption only covers sales within New York State.