Connecticut Cottage Food Law Report
Complete reference for Connecticut's cottage food law — statute citation, sales cap, allowed products, registration requirements, and a county-by-county directory with health department, planning department, and zoning code links.
Connecticut Cottage Food Operation Law (PA 18-141)
Verbatim ExcerptSec. 21a-62a-1. Definitions. (2) "Cottage food operation" means a person who produces cottage food products only in the home kitchen of that person's private residential dwelling and only for sale directly to the consumer, but does not operate as a food service establishment pursuant to 19a-36 or regulations promulgated pursuant to 21a-101, or a food retailer, distributor or manufacturer as defined in 21a-92(b) and 21a-151. (3) "Cottage food products" means non-potentially hazardous baked goods, jams, jellies, and other non-potentially hazardous foods produced by a cottage food operation. (5) "Private residential dwelling" means an owner or resident occupied dwelling. A private residential dwelling does not include any group or communal residential setting within any type of structure, or outbuilding, shed, barn, or other similar structure. Sec. 21a-62a-2. Prerequisite Requirements. (a) All cottage food operations must be licensed annually by the commissioner of Consumer Protection. The license application form will be developed by the commissioner. The license will specify the food products allowed to be produced by the cottage food operation. The annual license fee for cottage food operations shall be set by the commissioner of Consumer Protection; however, such fee shall not exceed $100.00. (b) Prior to licensing, the commissioner shall, within existing resources, examine the premises of the cottage food operation to determine it to be in compliance with Sections 21a-62a-1 through to Section 21a-62a-7 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.
Source: eregulations.ct.gov/eRegsPortal/Search/getDocument?guid={50AF7258-0000-C5F0-8C16-E8B672186E56} →
Allowed foods include non-perishable baked goods, candies, jams and jellies (not fruit butters), dried goods, pasta, spices, and other non-potentially hazardous shelf-stable foods from the official approved foods list. Products must be sold directly to consumers at events, farmers markets, roadside stands, at-home sales, or online (local delivery only).
Prohibited foods include all perishable baked goods, acidified foods, low-acid canned goods, pickles, salsas, sauces, ketchup, juices, carbonated drinks, kombucha, and meat jerkies. Sales are also prohibited at long-term care facilities, group homes, day care facilities, and schools.
Labels must use the physical home address (not a P.O. box), include all standard label information, and be on large items (e.g., wedding cakes) when delivering with the invoice. License must be displayed at all points of sale.
50000
Okay (IJ Grade D)
0
Where to verify Connecticut's rules
Data compiled from primary sources. Cottage food laws change — verify with your state agency before relying on this information.
Cottage food laws are amended every year. This is a starting reference, not legal advice. Verify with Connecticut Department of Consumer Protectionand your local health department before relying on this data.