Cottage Food Laws in Pennsylvania
moderateComplete guide to selling baked goods from home in Pennsylvania. Updated for 2026.
Last verified: April 2026
| Annual Sales Limit | $50,000 per year |
| License Required | No — No license required. Must register with the PA Dept. of Agriculture and complete a food safety course. |
| Kitchen Inspection | No kitchen inspection required. |
| Online Sales | Not allowed — Online sales are not explicitly authorized under Pennsylvania law. |
Allowed Products
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Jams and jellies
- Dry mixes
- Granola
Prohibited Products
- Cream-filled pastries
- 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
How Pennsylvania Compares
| State | Sales Limit | License | Online | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $50,000 per year | No | No | moderate |
| New York | No statewide cap (varies by county) | No | No | moderate |
| New Jersey | $50,000 per year | Yes | No | restrictive |
| Ohio | $50,000 per year | No | No | moderate |
| West Virginia | $50,000 per year | No | Yes | permissive |
| Delaware | $25,000 per year | Yes | No | moderate |
| Maryland | $25,000 per year | 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: PA Dept. of Agriculture — Cottage Food
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