Credit: Keelworks Legal Research https://www.keelworks.org

Alabama Cottage Food Laws allow individuals to prepare and sell non-potentially hazardous,
non–Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods from a home kitchen without
needing a commercial food license. These laws are designed to support small food entrepreneurs
while maintaining food safety.

Allowed Foods
Cottage foods must be shelf-stable and not require refrigeration for safety. Common allowed
products include:
 Breads, bagels, biscuits, rolls, muffins, scones
 Cakes, cookies, brownies, donuts, pastries, tarts
 Fruit pies, jams, jellies, preserves
 Candies, chocolates, truffles, brittles, toffee
 Popcorn, kettle corn, granola, pretzels, crackers
 Honey, roasted nuts, roasted coffee beans
 Dry pasta, spice blends, baking mixes
 Dried/dehydrated fruits and vegetables
These products may be sold at farmers markets, fairs, festivals, from home, and (since Aug 1,
2021) online within Alabama.

County Exceptions (Montgomery & Calhoun)
Montgomery and Calhoun counties are exempt from some restrictions. Cottage food operators in
these counties may sell certain TCS and low-acid foods, including:
 Canned vegetables
 Soups, stews, sauces
 Slaws
 Foods containing meat or other potentially hazardous ingredients
Entrepreneurs in these counties must confirm approved foods with the Alabama Department of
Agriculture & Industries (ADAI).

Prohibited Foods (Statewide, with County Exceptions)
Generally prohibited foods include:

 Meat, poultry, fish, shellfish
 Milk and dairy products (except as baked ingredients)
 Eggs (as standalone foods)
 Custards, cream pies, cheesecakes
 Garlic-in-oil mixtures
 Heat-treated plant foods (rice, beans, vegetables)
 Raw sprouts, cut melons, leafy greens
 Home-canned low-acid foods

Acidity (pH) and Food Testing
 Non-potentially hazardous foods must have a pH below 4.6
 If pH is unknown, testing is required through:
o Auburn University (ACES)
o Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries lab
 Testing determines if a product qualifies as cottage food

Income Limits
 Previous annual sales cap: $20,000
 As of August 1, 2021, the income limit has been removed

Licensing & Training
To operate legally:
 Watch four required cottage food training videos
 Pass a food safety exam
 Renew food safety training every 5 years
 Obtain any required local business licenses

Labeling Requirements
Each product must include:
 Name of individual or business

 Address of individual or business
 Statement:
“This item was prepared in a kitchen that is NOT inspected by a regulatory
agency.”
Allergen Labeling (Recommended/Best Practice)
Declare any of the 9 major FDA allergens:
Milk, Eggs, Fish, Shellfish, Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Wheat, Soybeans, Sesame

Where Sales Are Allowed
 Farmers markets
 Fairs and festivals
 Direct-to-consumer sales from home
 Online orders and in-state shipping
 Wholesale and resale are not allowed

Food Safety & Best Practices
Operators should follow strong sanitation and safety practices:
 Clean and sanitize equipment and surfaces
 Prevent cross-contamination
 No pets or sick individuals in the kitchen
 Proper handwashing and glove use
 Maintain pest-free environments

Record Keeping
Recommended records include:
 Recipes and preparation methods
 Production dates and batch codes
 Sales dates and locations
 Receipts and basic traceability records

Liability Insurance
 Strongly recommended to protect against lawsuits
 Options include:
o Food liability insurance
o Business bonds

Link: https://cottagefoodlaws.com/alabama-cottage-food-laws/

Location