Michigan Cottage Food Law: Labeling and Sales Guide
Cottage food regulations for Michigan — sales limits, allowed and prohibited products, labeling requirements, and where you can sell direct-to-consumer.
Quick Answer
Michigan cottage food law (PA 113 of 2010) permits production of certain shelf-stable foods in home kitchens for direct-to-consumer sale up to $25,000 annually. The sales limit was raised from $15,000 to $25,000 in the 2024 amendment. No permit, license, or inspection is required for cottage food operators, but specific labeling is mandatory: producer name, address, ingredients, allergens, net weight, and a Michigan-specific disclaimer including a phone number and the words "MADE IN A HOME KITCHEN." Wholesale to retail and interstate sales are not permitted.
Michigan Cottage Food Law: At a Glance
| Law / Program | Michigan Cottage Food Law (Public Act 113 of 2010, amended 2024) |
| Enacted / Last Amended | 2010 (original); 2024 amendment raised limit from $15K to $25K |
| Annual Sales Limit | $25,000 annually (raised from $15,000 in 2024) |
| Statute Citation | Michigan Public Act 113 of 2010; MCL 289.4101-289.4109 |
| Enforcing Agency | Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) |
Allowed Cottage Food Products
- ✓Baked goods (cookies, bread, cakes without cream/custard fillings)
- ✓Candy and confections
- ✓Jams, jellies, fruit butters (high-acid fruits)
- ✓Honey and maple syrup
- ✓Dried fruits, vegetables, herbs
- ✓Dry mixes (cake, pancake, seasoning blends)
- ✓Granola, popcorn, snack mixes
- ✓Roasted coffee, dry tea
- ✓Vinegars and flavored vinegars
- ✓Some pickled products with proper acidification
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 acidification
- ✗Fermented beverages (separate Michigan licensing)
- ✗Pet treats
- ✗Acidified pickled products that fall below proper acid threshold
Where You Can Sell
- •Direct sales at the producer's home
- •Michigan farmers markets and roadside stands
- •County fairs, festivals, food events within Michigan
- •Online sales for delivery within Michigan
- •In-person at the producer's location with pickup
- •NOT permitted: wholesale to grocery stores, restaurants, schools
- •NOT permitted: interstate shipping or out-of-state sales
Michigan Cottage Food Labeling Requirements
- 1Product name
- 2Producer's name and address
- 3Net weight or volume
- 4Ingredient list in descending order by weight
- 5Allergen disclosure per FALCPA + FASTER Act
- 6Producer's phone number
- 7Disclaimer in clear, conspicuous text: "MADE IN A HOME KITCHEN" along with specific Michigan language about home kitchen status
- 8No state inspection statement: "This product is not subject to state inspection or licensure"
Michigan Cottage Food FAQs
What changed in Michigan's 2024 cottage food amendment?
The 2024 amendment raised the annual sales limit from $15,000 to $25,000 — a 67% increase responding to inflation since the original 2010 law. The amendment also clarified some product categories (notably acidified pickled products) and updated language around online sales. The increase made Michigan more competitive with neighboring states' cottage food laws.
Do I need a permit to start a Michigan cottage food business?
No permit, license, or inspection is required under PA 113. Operators must self-comply with labeling, sales venue, and product type restrictions. MDARD may inspect upon complaint but does not conduct routine inspections of cottage food operations.
Why is Michigan's sales limit lower than Ohio's?
Michigan and Ohio took different policy approaches. Ohio chose no sales cap but stricter sales-channel restrictions. Michigan chose a sales cap ($25K) with similar sales-channel restrictions. The result is that Ohio offers more growth runway for successful operations, but Michigan's lower compliance burden (no application, no fee) appeals to part-time and seasonal operators.
Can I sell Michigan cottage food at Detroit area markets?
Yes — Michigan cottage food law applies statewide. Detroit-area markets like Eastern Market accept cottage food vendors who comply with PA 113. Some markets may have additional vendor requirements (insurance, booth fees) but the underlying state law is recognized.
What happens if I exceed $25,000 in annual sales?
Exceeding the limit voids cottage food status. You'll need to obtain a Michigan food establishment license (which may require commercial kitchen rental or home kitchen upgrade), undergo MDARD inspection, and switch to full FDA-compliant labels. Many growing Michigan cottage food businesses plan the commercial transition 3-6 months before approaching $25K.
Does Michigan require a phone number on cottage food labels?
Yes — Michigan is one of the few states that requires the producer's phone number on cottage food labels. This is in addition to the standard name and address requirement. Consumers must be able to contact the producer directly for product questions or concerns.
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