Georgia Cottage Food Law: Labeling and Sales Guide
Cottage food regulations for Georgia — sales limits, allowed and prohibited products, labeling requirements, and where you can sell direct-to-consumer.
Quick Answer
Georgia cottage food operations may produce certain shelf-stable foods in a home kitchen for direct sale up to $35,000 annually. Cottage food operators must register with the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), complete food safety training, and follow specific labeling rules. Sales are direct-to-consumer only — farmers markets, roadside stands, in-person at home, and online for in-state delivery. Wholesale to retailers and restaurants is not permitted under cottage food rules; exceeding the limit or transitioning to retail requires a Georgia food sales establishment license.
Georgia Cottage Food Law: At a Glance
| Law / Program | Georgia Cottage Food Operation Rules |
| Enacted / Last Amended | 2012 (original); periodic updates |
| Annual Sales Limit | $35,000 annually |
| Statute Citation | Georgia Department of Agriculture Rules Chapter 40-7-19 |
| Enforcing Agency | Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) |
Allowed Cottage Food Products
- ✓Baked goods (most without cream/custard fillings)
- ✓Candy and confections
- ✓Honey, syrups, fruit butters
- ✓Jams, jellies, preserves with high-acid fruits
- ✓Dried fruits, herbs, vegetables
- ✓Dry mixes and seasonings
- ✓Granola, popcorn, snack mixes
- ✓Roasted coffee, dry tea
- ✓Some pickled products (with acidification verification)
Products NOT Permitted Under Cottage Food
- ✗Meat, poultry, fish products
- ✗Dairy products requiring refrigeration
- ✗Cream- and custard-filled baked goods
- ✗Low-acid canned vegetables without proper acidification
- ✗Pet treats
- ✗Fermented beverages
Where You Can Sell
- •Direct sales at the producer's home
- •Georgia farmers markets and roadside stands
- •Local fairs, festivals, and food events
- •Online sales for delivery within Georgia
- •Catering for direct consumer customers (with restrictions)
- •NOT permitted: wholesale to retailers, restaurants for resale
- •NOT permitted: interstate shipping
Georgia Cottage Food Labeling Requirements
- 1Product name in plain English
- 2Producer's name and address
- 3Net weight or volume
- 4Ingredient list in descending order by weight
- 5Allergen disclosure per FALCPA + FASTER Act
- 6Disclaimer: "This product is homemade and is not subject to state inspection."
- 7GDA cottage food registration number on the label
Georgia Cottage Food FAQs
How do I register as a Georgia cottage food operator?
Submit a Cottage Food Operation Registration application to the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The application requires basic operator information, product list, and proof of food safety training completion. GDA processes registrations within 30 days and issues a registration number that must appear on labels. There is typically a $100 annual registration fee.
Does Georgia require food safety training?
Yes — cottage food operators must complete a GDA-approved food safety training course. Online courses are available for $10-20 from approved providers. The course covers food handling, allergen control, sanitation, and labeling compliance. Certificates are typically valid for two years and must be renewed.
Can I sell my Georgia cottage food at Atlanta-area farmers markets?
Yes — Georgia cottage food law applies statewide including Atlanta. Most Atlanta-area markets accept registered cottage food vendors, though individual market managers may have additional requirements (liability insurance, market vendor fees, specific labeling).
What happens if I exceed $35,000 in annual sales?
Exceeding the limit voids cottage food status. You'll need to obtain a Georgia Food Sales Establishment license, operate from a commercial kitchen (or get GDA approval for a home kitchen upgrade), and switch to full FDA-compliant labels. Most growing cottage food businesses plan the transition 3-6 months before approaching the limit.
Can I sell cottage food at Georgia state and county fairs?
Yes — fairs and festivals are permitted sales venues. You may also need an event-specific vendor permit from the fair organizer. Verify with each event organizer before participation.
Are there any Georgia-specific allergen rules?
Georgia follows federal FALCPA + FASTER Act rules — the 9 major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame) must be disclosed using either parenthetical ingredient names or a "Contains" statement. Some Atlanta-area markets and HEB stores have additional allergen disclosure expectations for products on their shelves.
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