If you’re looking to start a small, home-based food business in Missouri, the state’s cottage food laws provide an easy way to legally sell homemade, non-hazardous foods. These laws allow individuals to sell certain foods prepared in a home kitchen without the need for a commercial kitchen or formal inspections. Below, we’ll cover Missouri cottage food law, when a food license Missouri is required, and what steps to follow to get your food business up and running.
1. What is a Cottage Food Producer?
In Missouri, a cottage food producer is someone who sells food products that are prepared in their home kitchen and are considered “non-potentially hazardous.” These foods are safe to store at room temperature and do not require refrigeration. Examples of foods you can sell under Missouri’s cottage food law include:
- Baked goods (such as cookies, breads, and cakes)
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Dried herbs and seasonings
- Honey and syrups
- Certain confections, such as candy and chocolates
As long as the foods fall under the non-hazardous category, Missouri’s cottage food law allows home bakers and food producers to sell their goods directly to consumers.
2. Missouri Cottage Food Law
The Missouri cottage food law allows individuals to sell homemade food without the need for a commercial kitchen or food handler’s permit. However, there are specific rules and restrictions to follow:
- Direct-to-Consumer Sales: You can only sell cottage foods directly to consumers. This includes sales at farmers markets, roadside stands, or from your home. You cannot sell through retail stores or online platforms.
- No Sales Limit: Unlike other states, Missouri doesn’t impose a maximum annual sales limit for cottage food producers.
- Labeling Requirements: All cottage food products must be properly labeled. Labels should include the product name, ingredients, and a statement that the food was prepared in a home kitchen that is not inspected by the health department.
This law provides a flexible opportunity for small food businesses to sell homemade goods while following basic health and safety guidelines.
3. When is a Food License Missouri Required?
If you want to sell food products that fall outside the scope of Missouri’s cottage food law (such as potentially hazardous foods that require refrigeration or handling), you’ll need to obtain a food license Missouri. This includes foods like:
- Meat, poultry, or seafood products
- Dairy items
- Prepared meals or ready-to-eat foods
For these products, you will need to prepare them in a licensed commercial kitchen and submit to regular health inspections by the local health department. You’ll also need to obtain a retail food establishment license to legally sell these items.
4. Getting Started as a Cottage Food Producer in Missouri
To get started as a cottage food producer in Missouri, follow these steps:
- Choose Your Products: Pick non-hazardous foods that you’d like to sell under the Missouri cottage food law. Popular options include baked goods, jams, and candies.
- Labeling Your Products: Ensure each product has a proper label that lists the ingredients and includes a disclaimer that the food was prepared in a non-inspected home kitchen.
- Find Sales Venues: You can sell directly to consumers at farmers markets, craft fairs, or from your home. Missouri’s cottage food law allows you to interact directly with your customers, but you cannot sell through third-party retailers or online.
- Consider Food Safety: Although there’s no formal food safety training required, it’s always a good idea to educate yourself on proper food handling and sanitation to ensure the safety of your products.
5. Expanding Beyond Cottage Foods
If you decide to grow your business and sell a wider range of foods, such as perishable items or temperature-controlled goods, you’ll need to explore additional licensing options. This may include obtaining a food license Missouri, renting a licensed commercial kitchen, and undergoing regular health inspections. Additionally, if you plan to sell online or in retail stores, you’ll need to comply with Missouri’s broader food safety regulations.
*Disclaimer: This article or any content hereof is not a substitute for professional legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor is it a solicitation to offer legal advice.