Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA)

Cottage Food Label Requirements in Ohio

What Ohio 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 Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) 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 Ohio requires

This product is home produced.

Must appear in at least 10-point type (Ohio Revised Code §3715.023). Labels must also show net quantity in both U.S. customary and metric units, and disclose major allergens.

Sales Cap & Registration

Annual Sales Cap

No annual gross sales cap.

Registration & Permitting

No license, permit, or registration is required to operate as a Cottage Food Production Operation in Ohio.

Food Safety Course

Not required by the state.

What You Can (and Can't) Sell

Allowed

Non-potentially-hazardous foods: baked goods, jams and jellies, candy, dry mixes, roasted coffee, and similar shelf-stable items that don't require refrigeration.

Not Allowed

Any food that is potentially hazardous or requires 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 Ohio Department of Agriculture – Division of Food Safety, Cottage Food.

Last verified: 2026-08

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ohio's required cottage food label statement?

Ohio law (ORC §3715.023) requires the statement "This product is home produced" in at least 10-point type, along with net quantity in both U.S. and metric units and any major allergens.

Do I need a license to sell cottage food in Ohio?

No. Ohio does not require a license, permit, or registration for Cottage Food Production Operations.

Is there a sales cap in Ohio?

No — Ohio does not cap annual gross sales for cottage food producers.

What foods can't I sell as an Ohio cottage food producer?

Anything that's potentially hazardous or needs refrigeration/time-temperature control for safety is off-limits — stick to shelf-stable items like baked goods, jams, and dry mixes.

Ready to build your Ohio cottage food label?

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