Cottage Food Laws in Pennsylvania
moderateComplete guide to cottage food and bakery regulations in Pennsylvania. Updated for 2026.
General information, not legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently — verify with the official source before launching your business. Report an error. Last verified: August 2026.
| Annual Sales Limit | No statutory annual cap (Limited Food Establishment program) |
| License Required | Yes — Pennsylvania uses a Limited Food Establishment Registration. Application required at least 60 days before operating; on-site inspection by PDA Sanitarian followed by $35 annual registration fee. Not available in Philadelphia County. |
| Kitchen Inspection | On-site inspection by PDA Sanitarian required before registration is issued; routine inspections continue thereafter. |
| Online Sales | Allowed — Limited Food Establishment registration includes internet sales direct from the production site. Interstate sales may require FDA registration. |
Allowed Products
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Jams and jellies
- Dry mixes
- Granola
Prohibited Products
- Foods requiring time/temperature control for safety (TCS)
- Meat products
- Dairy products
- Canned low-acid foods
Labeling Requirements
- Name and address of the producer
- Name of the product
- Ingredients list
- "This Product Is Home Produced and Is Not Subject to Pennsylvania's Food Safety Regulations"
Where You Can Sell
- Farmers markets
- Direct from home
- Community events
- Online (with registration)
How Pennsylvania Compares
| State | Sales Limit | License | Online | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | No statutory annual cap (Limited Food Establishment program) | Yes | Yes | moderate |
| New York | No statewide cap (varies by county) | No | No | moderate |
| New Jersey | $50,000 per year (gross) | Yes | No | restrictive |
| Ohio | No sales cap | No | No | moderate |
| West Virginia | No annual sales cap for non-hazardous cottage foods (SB 44) | No | Yes | permissive |
| Delaware | No statewide sales cap (the $25,000 cap was removed in December 2023) | Yes | No | moderate |
| Maryland | $50,000 per year (rises to $100,000 on October 1, 2026 — HB 535) | No | No | moderate |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register to sell cottage food in Pennsylvania?▾
Yes. You must register with the PA Department of Agriculture before selling cottage food products.
Is food safety training required in Pennsylvania?▾
Yes. Pennsylvania requires cottage food operators to complete an approved food safety course.
Official source: Pennsylvania PDA — Limited Food Establishment