Washington Cottage Food Law: Labeling and Sales Guide
Cottage food regulations for Washington — sales limits, allowed and prohibited products, labeling requirements, and where you can sell direct-to-consumer.
Quick Answer
Washington State cottage food operations may produce shelf-stable foods in home kitchens for direct-to-consumer sale up to $25,000 annually. WSDA requires permit application, fee payment, and food handler training before operations begin. Sales are restricted to farmers markets, roadside stands, in-person at the operation site, and limited online sales within Washington. The Washington program is permit-based (unlike pure exemption states), giving WSDA more enforcement visibility but also providing operators with state-issued credentials that retailers and consumers can verify.
Washington Cottage Food Law: At a Glance
| Law / Program | Washington State Cottage Food Operations |
| Enacted / Last Amended | 2011 (original); periodic updates |
| Annual Sales Limit | $25,000 annually |
| Statute Citation | RCW 69.22; WAC 16-149 |
| Enforcing Agency | Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Food Safety Program |
Allowed Cottage Food Products
- ✓Baked goods (cookies, breads, cakes without cream/custard)
- ✓Candy and confections
- ✓Jams, jellies, preserves (high-acid)
- ✓Honey, maple syrup
- ✓Dried fruit, vegetables, herbs
- ✓Dry mixes and seasonings
- ✓Granola, popcorn, snack mixes
- ✓Roasted coffee, dried tea
Products NOT Permitted Under Cottage Food
- ✗Meat, poultry, fish, seafood
- ✗Dairy products requiring refrigeration
- ✗Cream- and custard-filled baked goods
- ✗Low-acid canned vegetables without acidification
- ✗Fermented beverages (kombucha — separate licensing)
- ✗Pet treats
Where You Can Sell
- •Direct sales at the cottage food operation site
- •Washington farmers markets and roadside stands
- •Local fairs, festivals, food events
- •Limited online sales for delivery within Washington
- •NOT permitted: wholesale to retailers or restaurants
- •NOT permitted: interstate shipping
Washington Cottage Food Labeling Requirements
- 1Product name
- 2Cottage food operation name and address
- 3Net weight or volume
- 4Ingredient list in descending order by weight
- 5Allergen disclosure per FALCPA + FASTER Act
- 6Disclaimer: "Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspections required of a retail food establishment."
- 7WSDA Cottage Food Operation Permit number
Washington Cottage Food FAQs
Why does Washington require a permit instead of just an exemption?
WSDA chose a permit-based approach for visibility and consumer protection. Permitted operators get state-issued credentials that retailers and consumers can verify; WSDA gets a list of all home-based food operations in the state for inspection upon complaint. The trade-off: higher compliance burden than pure-exemption states, but better consumer trust signal.
How do I apply for the WSDA Cottage Food Operation Permit?
Submit an application to WSDA Food Safety Program with your name, address, products to be made, intended sales venues, and proof of food handler card. WSDA processes applications within 30-60 days and may conduct a kitchen inspection. The annual permit fee is typically $50-150 depending on operations.
Do I need a food handler card in Washington?
Yes. All cottage food operators must obtain a Washington Food Handler Card from a state-approved training program. Training takes 1-2 hours, costs $10, and is valid for 2 years. The card must be available for WSDA inspection.
Can I sell my Washington cottage food at Seattle's Pike Place Market?
Yes — Pike Place Market accepts WSDA-permitted cottage food vendors. Pike Place has additional vendor requirements including waiting lists for permanent stalls, market vendor fees, and specific product display rules. Most Seattle-area markets recognize Washington cottage food permits.
Can I sell to Washington-based restaurants for use in their menus?
No. Cottage food permits restrict sales to direct-to-consumer only. Selling to restaurants or other businesses for resale requires a Washington Food Processing Plant license or appropriate WSDA commercial license.
What happens if I exceed $25,000 in annual sales?
Exceeding the limit voids your cottage food status. You'll need to upgrade to a Washington Food Processing Plant license (requiring commercial kitchen inspection) and switch to full FDA-compliant labels. Many growing Washington cottage food businesses plan the transition 3-6 months before approaching $25K.
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