How to Become a Cottage Food Operator in Ohio

A basic summary of Ohio Cottage Food rules

Alright, let's unravel the spaghetti of Ohio's cottage food laws – no legal mumbo-jumbo, promise! (You’ll find links to all the official language below.)

Imagine you're a wizard in your kitchen, whipping up cookies, jams, or bread that your friends can't stop raving about. In Ohio, you can actually sell these homemade goodies without turning your kitchen into a full-blown restaurant. That's the magic of cottage food laws!

Foods Allowed for a Cottage Food Operator in Ohio

First off, you need to know that not all foods are invited to the cottage food party. Things that don't spoil easily – think cookies, cakes (certain frosting is fine), breads, fruit jams, and popcorn – are on the guest list along with several other items. But if it's something that needs to stay cool like meats or dairy (sorry, cheesecake), it's a no-go for home selling.

Here’s a list of the foods allowed under Ohio’s Cottage Food Law:

• Non-potentially hazardous bakery products:

  • Cookies

  • Breads

  • Brownies

  • Cakes

  • Fruit pies

• Candy (including):

  • No-bake cookies

  • Chocolate-covered pretzels

  • Similar chocolate-covered non-perishable items

• Jams

• Jellies

• Fruit butters

• Granola (including granola bars and granola bars dipped in candy; fruit used must be commercially dried)

• Popcorn (including):

  • Flavored popcorn

  • Kettle corn

  • Popcorn balls

  • Caramel corn

  • Note: Does not include un-popped popping corn

• Unfilled baked donuts

• Waffle cones

• Pizzelles

• Dry cereal and nut snack mixes with seasonings

• Roasted coffee (whole beans or ground)

• Dry baking mixes (for making items like breads and cookies)

• Dry herbs and dry herb blends

• Dry seasoning blends (such as dry barbecue rubs and seafood boils)

• Dry tea blends

• Flavored honey made by a beekeeper exempt under ORC 3715.012

• Fruit chutney

• Maple sugar made by a processor of tree syrup exempt under ORC 3715.012

• Dry soup mixes containing commercially dried vegetables, beans, grains, and seasoning

This list covers all the tasty, non-hazardous items you can whip up and sell under Ohio's Cottage Food Law.

How to Properly Label Cottage Food in Ohio

Now, let's chat about making your treats street-legal with some nifty labels. Each of your homemade goodies needs a tag saying it's a home-produced product, with your name, address, and what it is printed clearly. No tiny fonts, please – we're not trying to hide anything. Then list all ingredients from most to least. Got nuts, wheat, or other major allergens in there? Make sure to highlight them to keep everyone safe and happy.

Licensing or Inspection and Where to Sell Cottage Food in Ohio

And the best part? You don't need a license or kitchen inspection to start selling. Ohio trusts you're keeping things clean and following the rules. Just remember, selling your treats is allowed at places like farmers' markets, roadside stands, or even online, as long as the buyer is in Ohio. So, there you have it – Ohio's cottage food rules in a nutshell. Check out the links below for the official information and laws.

Ohio Cottage Food Information and Laws

Ohio Department of Agriculture Cottage Foods Information

Ohio Cottage Food Production Laws

Ready to turn your kitchen hobby into your side hustle? Happy creating!