Alabama cottage food laws
No sales cap, online sales allowed, with required ACES food safety training.
Alabama's 2021 cottage food update removed the sales cap and authorized online sales with delivery by the producer, by mail, or by a designated agent. Cottage food operators must complete an ADPH-approved food safety course (commonly the Alabama Cooperative Extension System course) and follow specific labeling rules. Wholesale and third-party retail sales remain prohibited.
Alabama cottage food, quick facts.
How the Alabama cottage food law actually works.
Alabama's cottage food law is governed by Ala. Code § 22-20-5.1 and is administered by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). The law was updated in 2021 to remove the prior $20,000 annual sales cap and to authorize online sales with delivery by the producer, by mail, or by a designated agent.
Cottage food operators can produce non-potentially hazardous (non-TCS) foods in a home kitchen and sell them directly to consumers in person and online. Wholesale, consignment, and third-party retail sales are not permitted under the cottage exemption. The state focuses on labeling and food safety training rather than inspections or permits.
Operators must complete an ADPH-approved food safety course before selling. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) offers the most common course; ANSI-accredited food safety programs are also accepted. Certification is generally valid for a set period (often three to five years), and operators must maintain current certification.
Alabama explicitly excludes meat, poultry, and fish products from cottage food. Acidified foods like pickles and hot sauces are also excluded under the standard exemption because of botulism risk. Some dehydrated and dried foods qualify if they meet specific water activity (less than 0.88) or pH (less than 4.2) thresholds defined by ADPH.
Allowed and prohibited foods.
- Loaf breads, rolls, biscuits, tortillas
- Cookies, brownies, biscotti, bars
- Cakes and cupcakes without cream or cream cheese frosting
- Glazed pastries, danish pastries, doughnuts
- Fruit pies (high-acid fruit only)
- Candies, fudge, brittle, toffee, chocolate-covered fruit and nuts
- Jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters, marmalade
- Roasted coffee beans and dried tea blends
- Dry baking and seasoning mixes
- Roasted or candied nuts, candied or coated popcorn
- Dried herbs and herb mixes (commercially prepared ingredients)
- Dehydrated fruits and vegetables (water activity less than 0.88 or pH less than 4.2)
- Cheesecakes, cream pies, custard pies, meringue pies
- Cream cheese frosting and any frosting requiring refrigeration
- Tres leches and any cake requiring refrigeration
- Meat, poultry, and fish products
- Pickles, salsas, hot sauces, and other acidified foods
- Low-acid canned foods
- Dairy beverages and refrigerated drinks
Alabama defines cottage food as non-potentially hazardous foods that do not require time or temperature control for safety. Dehydrated foods qualify only if they meet ADPH water activity or pH thresholds. Acidified foods like pickles and hot sauces are excluded entirely.
Sales channels for Alabama cottage bakers.
- Sales must be direct to the end consumer in Alabama.
- A designated agent can deliver on the producer's behalf, useful for delivery services.
- Local business licenses, sales tax registration, and zoning compliance still apply.
Label every product, exactly like this.
This food is not inspected by the Department of Public Health. This product may contain allergens.
- All required label elements, not just the statements, must be in at least 10-point font.
- Net weight is recommended by ADPH but not mandatory.
- Alabama issues no registration number, so the address (or P.O. Box) must appear on the label.
Food safety training in Alabama
Alabama requires every cottage food operator to complete a food safety course approved by ADPH. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) offers the recognized course, often free or low-cost, and ANSI-accredited courses (ServSafe Food Handler, StateFoodSafety) are also accepted. Certification is generally valid for a set period (three to five years depending on the course), and operators must maintain current certification.
Registration, permits, and inspections in Alabama
There is no state registration to begin operating. Operators must complete the food safety course before selling and keep their certificate available. Local business licenses, county or city business privilege licenses, and sales tax registrations may still apply.
How to start a cottage bakery in Alabama.
- 01Confirm your products are non-TCSBuild your menu around shelf-stable items: cookies, breads, candies, jams, granola, dry mixes, roasted coffee. Skip meat, fish, acidified foods, and anything that needs refrigeration.
- 02Complete the ADPH-approved food safety courseThe Alabama Cooperative Extension System course is the most common path. ANSI-accredited courses like ServSafe Food Handler are also accepted.Alabama Extension cottage food course →
- 03Set up your business basicsPick a business name, file a business privilege license at the county or city level, get an EIN if you plan to hire, and confirm zoning. Consider using a P.O. Box on labels for privacy.
- 04Build your label templateInclude the operation name, home or P.O. Box address, product name, ingredients by weight, net quantity, allergens, and the required "This food is not inspected by the Department of Public Health" disclaimer in at least 10-point font.
- 05Pick your sales channelsDirect from home, online with delivery by you or by mail, farmers markets, craft fairs. Wholesale and retail-store sales are not allowed under the cottage exemption.
- 06Set up Cakery to handle ordersCakery gives you your own bakery page at cakerybakeries.com/your-bakery, free for your first 30 days. Add your menu, prices, and pickup or delivery zones, and use one form for every customer request.Start your free 30-day trial →
- 07Keep your training certificate currentRenew your food safety course before it expires. Keep a digital or printed copy with your records.
A few things Alabama bakers should know.
- Alabama removed the cottage food sales cap in 2021 and explicitly authorized online sales with delivery by producer, mail, or designated agent.
- Acidified foods (pickles, salsas, hot sauces) are not allowed under the cottage exemption due to botulism risk.
- Dehydrated foods qualify only if they meet ADPH water activity (less than 0.88) or pH (less than 4.2) thresholds.
- A P.O. Box is acceptable in place of a home street address on labels.
- Wholesale and third-party retail sales are not allowed; sales must be direct to the end consumer.
Bookmark these for Alabama baking.
Official agency resources
Statute and rules text
Helpful resources for bakers
Recent and upcoming changes in Alabama.
- August 1, 2021Alabama updated the cottage food law: removed the prior $20,000 sales cap, authorized online sales with delivery by producer, mail, or designated agent, and clarified label and training requirements.
Alabama cottage food FAQ.
Do Alabama cottage bakers need a permit or inspection?
Is there a sales cap?
Can I sell online and ship?
Can I sell to grocery stores or restaurants?
Can I sell pickles, salsas, or hot sauces?
Are cream cheese frosting and cheesecake allowed?
What is the exact required label statement?
Do I still need a local business license for a cottage food business in Alabama?
What foods can I sell under the Alabama cottage food law?
Can I make and sell cottage foods from my home kitchen in Alabama?
Do I need food safety training or a handler card to sell cottage food in Alabama?
Can I sell cottage foods at farmers markets in Alabama?
Does Alabama require sales tax registration for cottage food sales?
Can I sell meat, poultry, or fish products as cottage food in Alabama?
Can I sell cakes and cupcakes in Alabama?
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