Michigan Cottage Food Law Report
Complete reference for Michigan'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.
Michigan Compiled Laws §289.4102 - Cottage Food Operation; Exemption from Licensing and Evaluation Provisions; Requirements (Michigan Food Law, Act 92 of 2000)
Verbatim Excerpt289.4102 Cottage food operation; exemption from licensing and evaluation provisions; requirements. Sec. 4102. (1) A cottage food operation is exempt from the licensing and evaluation provisions of this act. This exemption does not include an exemption from the adulteration and other standards imposed in this section or under this act, or both, and does not limit the ability of the department to take appropriate enforcement action for applicable violations as described in section 5101. This subsection does not require a cottage food operation to meet the standards contained in 21 CFR part 110 or the food code. (2) Cottage food products must be prepackaged and properly labeled before sale. (3) A cottage food operation shall place on the label of any food it produces or packages the following information: (a) The name and address of the business, or name, telephone number, and registration number; (b) The name of the cottage food product; (c) Ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight; (d) Net weight or net volume; (e) Allergen labeling as specified by federal requirements; (g) The following statement printed in at least the equivalent of 11-point font size in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background: "Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan department of agriculture and rural development." (4) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, a cottage food product must be sold directly from the cottage food operation to the consumer. Sales by consignment or at wholesale are prohibited. A cottage food product may be sold by internet or mail order or may be delivered to a consumer through a third-party food delivery platform if the cottage food operation provides an opportunity for a consumer to directly interact with the cottage food operation before the cottage food product is sold. A cottage food product sold by internet or mail order or delivered through a third-party delivery platform must be sold or delivered only to a consumer in this state.
Source: legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-289-4102 →
Non-potentially hazardous foods produced in a home kitchen, including baked goods (breads, cookies, cakes, cupcakes, pies, donuts, macarons), candies (chocolate, fudge, brittles, truffles), condiments (honey, nut butters, syrups, vinegars), dry goods (cereals, coffee, dried fruit/vegetables, herbs, pasta, spices, tea), pastries, preserves (jams, jellies, marmalades), and snacks (granola, popcorn, chocolate-covered items, fruit leathers, vegetable chips).
Perishable baked goods, acidified foods, low-acid canned foods, fruit butters, pickles, fermented foods, salsas, sauces, ketchup, mustards, candied apples, confections with alcohol, meat jerkies, juices, carbonated drinks, kombucha, and pet food. Only two specified buttercream frosting recipes are permitted. Sales by consignment or wholesale are prohibited.
Labels must include: business name and address (or name, phone, and registration number); product name; ingredients in descending order by weight; net weight or volume; allergen information per federal requirements; nutritional information if any claim is made; and the statement in at least 11-point font: 'Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan department of agriculture and rural development.' An optional registration number (from MSU Product Center, one-time fee up to $50) may replace the home address.
50000
Great (IJ Grade B-)
83
Michigan Counties (83)
Cottage food registration usually happens at the county level. Click any county for local zoning, health department, and planning department links.
Where to verify Michigan'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 Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Developmentand your local health department before relying on this data.