Georgia Cottage Food Laws: Everything You Need to Know to Sell Homemade Foods Legally

Ever thought about selling your famous chocolate chip cookies, homemade jams, or fresh-baked breads straight from your kitchen in Georgia? Thanks to the state’s cottage food laws, you really can—if you play by the rules. Georgia’s approach is friendly for small businesses and home bakers, but there are important requirements every aspiring food entrepreneur should know. Here’s your all-in-one, easy-to-follow guide to Georgia cottage food laws.

What Are Georgia’s Cottage Food Laws?

Georgia’s cottage food laws allow residents to make and sell certain types of “non-potentially hazardous” foods from their home kitchen, without the need for a commercial kitchen or extensive permitting. These laws are managed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The goal is to help small food businesses start simply, while protecting public safety.

What Foods Can You Sell as a Georgia Cottage Food Operator?

Georgia’s law allows only foods that are unlikely to spoil or harbor dangerous bacteria at room temperature. Here’s what you can legally sell:

Baked goods (breads, cookies, brownies, cakes, muffins, cupcakes, pies—no cream or custard pies)
Candies, confections, fudge, toffee, pralines
Jams, jellies, and fruit preserves (must use high-acid fruits)
Dry herbs, spices, seasonings, tea blends, roasted coffee beans
Granola, trail mix, popcorn, nuts, and similar snacks
Dried fruits and dry cereals
Honey (if produced from your own hives)

Not allowed: Anything that needs refrigeration or is considered potentially hazardous, such as salsas, pickles, dairy products, meat, seafood, poultry, canned vegetables, low-acid fruit butters, home-canned foods other than jams/jellies, and cream or meringue pies.

Who Can Become a Cottage Food Operator in Georgia?

You must operate out of your primary residence (no commercial, shared, or rented kitchens).
If you rent, you need written permission from your landlord.
Your water supply must be public, or you must test a private well annually for potability.

How to Get Licensed: The Application Process

Food Safety Training: Complete an approved food safety training course (like ServSafe) and include your certificate with your application.
Application: Fill out the Cottage Food License Application through the Georgia Department of Agriculture website.
Label Review: Submit sample labels for all products. Each label must include required elements (see next section).
Annual Fee: Pay the licensing fee (as of 2024, $100/year; subject to change).
Approval: Your kitchen is not inspected unless there’s a complaint, but you must keep it clean and follow safe food handling practices at all times.

Note: You must renew your license every year and report any changes in your menu or address.

Labeling Requirements

Every cottage food product must have a label with:

Name and address of the cottage food operation
Name of the product
Ingredients in descending order by weight
Allergens (wheat, eggs, milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, etc.)
Net weight or volume
The statement: “MADE IN A COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO STATE FOOD SAFETY INSPECTION.”
Production date

Where Can You Sell Cottage Foods in Georgia?

Direct to consumers from your home (pickup or delivery by you)
Farmers markets, roadside stands, fairs, community events, and festivals
Online, as long as you deliver directly to customers in Georgia (no out-of-state shipping, no mailing through third-party carriers)

No wholesale or resale: You cannot sell to grocery stores, restaurants, or through other retailers.

Sales Limits and Business Licensing

Georgia does not set a sales cap for cottage foods, so you can sell as much as you want, as long as you follow the rules. However, you must report sales as income and may need a local business license. Check with your city or county for any additional requirements, including sales tax.

Food Safety and Inspections

Keep your kitchen clean, wash hands, use safe storage, and avoid cross-contamination.
No pets, children, or smoking allowed in the kitchen during production.
Georgia may inspect your kitchen if there’s a complaint or foodborne illness linked to your products.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Selling foods that require refrigeration or aren’t on the approved list
Missing required label information (especially the “not subject to inspection” disclaimer)
Shipping products out of state or selling to retailers
Not renewing your license or updating your product list when you add new items
Letting pets or kids in the kitchen during food production

Helpful Resources

Final Thoughts: Your Home Kitchen, Your Business

Georgia’s cottage food law gives home cooks and bakers a real shot at launching a small business—without a ton of red tape or huge upfront costs. Stay on the safe food list, keep your labels accurate, maintain a clean kitchen, and you’ll be able to share your creations with customers all over the Peach State. Your next batch of cookies could be the start of something sweet!