Missouri Cottage Food Law: Labeling and Sales Guide
Cottage food regulations for Missouri — sales limits, allowed and prohibited products, labeling requirements, and where you can sell direct-to-consumer.
Quick Answer
Missouri's cottage food law allows direct-to-consumer sales of a narrow list of non-hazardous foods — baked goods, high-acid jams and jellies, and dried herbs and herb mixes — from a home kitchen with no permit, registration, or fee, and no sales cap. In-state online sales are allowed when both producer and buyer are in Missouri; interstate shipping and wholesale/resale are not permitted.
Missouri Cottage Food Law: At a Glance
| Law / Program | Missouri Cottage Food Law |
| Enacted / Last Amended | 2014; statewide sales cap removed in 2021 reform |
| Annual Sales Limit | No annual sales cap (former $50,000 cap removed) |
| Statute Citation | RSMo § 196.298 |
| Enforcing Agency | Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) |
Allowed Cottage Food Products
- ✓Non-TCS baked goods (breads, cookies, cakes without perishable fillings)
- ✓High-acid jams and jellies (full-sugar recipes)
- ✓Dried herbs and dried herb mixes
Products NOT Permitted Under Cottage Food
- ✗No-sugar-added or hot-pepper jams and jellies
- ✗Low-acid canned goods
- ✗Meat, poultry, and fish products
- ✗Dairy requiring refrigeration
- ✗Any potentially hazardous (TCS) food
Where You Can Sell
- •Direct sales at the producer's home
- •Missouri farmers markets and community events
- •In-state online sales (both producer and buyer located in Missouri)
- •NOT permitted: interstate shipping
- •NOT permitted: wholesale or resale to stores or restaurants
Missouri Cottage Food Labeling Requirements
- 1Producer's name and address
- 2Product name
- 3Ingredient list in descending order by weight
- 4Allergen disclosure for major allergens
- 5Net weight or volume
- 6Disclaimer that the food is not inspected by the Missouri DHSS or local health department
Missouri Cottage Food FAQs
Do I need a permit for cottage food in Missouri?
No. Missouri cottage food producers do not need to register with the state or local health departments, obtain permits, or pay fees for the allowed product categories.
What is Missouri's cottage food sales limit?
There is no sales limit. The former $50,000 annual cap was removed, so producers can earn without a statutory ceiling.
Can I sell cottage food online in Missouri?
Yes, if both you and the buyer are located in Missouri. Out-of-state shipping and interstate sales are not allowed.
Which foods are allowed under Missouri's law?
Only baked goods, full-sugar high-acid jams and jellies, and dried herbs and herb mixes. No-sugar-added and hot-pepper jams are excluded because their pH or water activity can shift them into hazardous territory.
Can I sell to grocery stores or restaurants?
No. Sales must be direct to the end consumer. 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