Alabama Cottage Food Law: Labeling and Sales Guide
Cottage food regulations for Alabama — sales limits, allowed and prohibited products, labeling requirements, and where you can sell direct-to-consumer.
Quick Answer
Alabama's cottage food law allows direct-to-consumer sales of non-hazardous homemade foods with no sales cap (the prior $20,000 limit was removed in 2021). Producers must complete an ADPH-approved or ANSI-accredited food safety course and register with the county health department's environmental office. Labels must be approved by the county health department before sale.
Alabama Cottage Food Law: At a Glance
| Law / Program | Alabama Cottage Food Law |
| Enacted / Last Amended | 2014; expanded 2021 ($20,000 cap removed) |
| Annual Sales Limit | No annual sales cap (former $20,000 limit removed) |
| Statute Citation | Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-3-22 (ADPH Cottage Food rules) |
| Enforcing Agency | Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) |
Allowed Cottage Food Products
- ✓Baked goods
- ✓Candy and confections
- ✓Jams and jellies
- ✓Dried foods, dried fruits, and vegetables
- ✓Herbs and roasted coffee
- ✓Honey
- ✓Fermented or preserved fruits and vegetables (no alcohol)
Products NOT Permitted Under Cottage Food
- ✗Meat, poultry, and fish products
- ✗TCS / refrigerated foods
- ✗Products containing alcohol
Where You Can Sell
- •Direct to consumer at farmers markets and roadside stands
- •Direct sales from the producer's home
- •Local public events and festivals
- •NOT permitted: wholesale or resale to retail stores or restaurants
Alabama Cottage Food Labeling Requirements
- 1Name of the food
- 2Producer or operation name
- 3Home or P.O. box address where the food was produced
- 4Ingredient list in descending order of amount
- 5Allergen "Contains" statement (the 9 major allergens)
- 6Disclaimer that the food is not inspected by a health department
- 7Text in 10-point font or larger; label must be approved by the county health department
Alabama Cottage Food FAQs
Is there a sales cap in Alabama?
No. The former $20,000 annual limit was removed in 2021, so Alabama cottage food producers can earn without a statutory ceiling.
Do I need food safety training in Alabama?
Yes. Producers must complete a food safety course approved by ADPH (such as Alabama Extension's) or any ANSI-accredited food safety program.
Do I have to register my cottage food business?
Yes. You must register with the county health department environmentalist's office, and your label must be approved by the county health department.
What allergens must I list?
A "Contains" statement covering any of the nine major U.S. allergens present: wheat, soy, eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, crustacean shellfish, or sesame.
Can I sell to stores or restaurants in Alabama?
No. Sales are direct-to-consumer only. Wholesale and resale to retail stores or restaurants are not permitted under the cottage food law.
Related Guides for Cottage Food Producers
Homemade Food Labels
What's required on cottage food labels even when nutrition facts panels are exempt.
FDA Small Business Exemption
When the FDA waives nutrition label requirements — federal rules layered on top of state cottage food laws.
Allergen Labeling Rules
FALCPA + FASTER Act: the 9 major allergens that must be disclosed on every food label — including cottage food.
Scaling Beyond Cottage Food?
When you exceed your state's cottage food limit or move to retail distribution, you need a full FDA Nutrition Facts label. Generate one free in 3 minutes.
Open Free Generator