Are you looking to start selling food in North Carolina without a permit? You’re in luck – there are several food operations that do not need permits in the state. Unlike other states, there is no NC cottage food law. Instead, there are a few guidelines for home-based food operations.
NC Cottage Food Law Rules
Home-based food businesses like bakeries and homesteads can sell products without permits as long as they only sell low-risk foods. Low-risk foods include:
- Baked goods that do not require refrigeration
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Candies
- Dried mixes/Spices
- Some liquids (i.e. ice tea, coffee, lemonade, etc. )
- Some sauces (i.e. balsamic dressing, etc. )
- Acid and acidified foods (i.e. pickles, bbq sauce, etc.)
- Freeze-dried fruits/vegetables
If you are selling these items out of your home, they may need to be labeled and may be subject to testing.
Individually packaged items and food that you will ship to the customer must be labeled with the following:
- Product name
- Manufacturer name and address
- Net weight of the product in ounces/pounds and the gram weight equivalent
- Complete list of ingredients in order of predominance by weight
If a customer orders food ahead of time to pick it up at your residence, or you deliver food to a special event, labeling is not required.
What You Can’t Sell from Home in NC
High-risk foods can only be produced commercially. These are the items you CANNOT sell out of your home in North Carolina:
- Refrigerated or frozen products
- Low-acid canned foods (i.e. jarred fruits, vegetables, etc. )
- Dairy Products
- Seafood products
- Bottled water/Juice Products
- Bakery products with cream or cream cheese filling, like cheesecakes
While there is no NC cottage food law persay, you’ll notice that the regulations are similar to the cottage food laws in other states.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides a comprehensive guide to starting a food business from home in the state, as well as a variety of helpful resources for business owners.
Airmart is the ideal platform for home-based food businesses. Opening an Airmart shop will enable you to take pre-orders, schedule pickups, make deliveries, and ship food at the best rates. Open your store today.