Kansas cottage food law
Kansas Cottage Food Law — 275 pages and 105 counties
Full Kansas PDF (275 pages). This page stays free.
Last updated: · Research verified · Full guide in Cottage Pro ($15 one time) (275 pages)
Full Kansas PDF (275 pages). This page stays free.
Print Kansas labels for your first market
Print Kansas labels for your first market
After the law page, this is the next thing most bakers need: a print-ready mockup with the Kansas home-kitchen disclaimer, allergen line, and net-weight fields.
The Crosodo 50-State Cottage Food Label Packet (287 pages) is included in Cottage Pro — 287 pages of per-state rules, official examples, and county extras. Open the combined packet. The Kansas mockup above stays free.
- Product name, producer, and address (or allowed alternative)
- Ingredients by weight and major allergens
- Net weight / quantity
- Kansas home-kitchen / “not inspected” disclaimer
Not legal advice. Verify wording with the state agency before a production print run.
What does the official Kansas state handout say?
Kansas Cottage Food Law — Official Guidance Summary
Official agency guidance changes without notice. The text below is reproduced for reference only — always confirm current rules on the agency website before relying on it.
- Kansas Department of Agriculturehttps://www.ksre.k-state.edu/kvafl/doc/MF3138_rev_2024.pdf
Kansas's cottage food rules are set by K.S.A. §65-657. The summary below is drawn from Crosodo's verified statute research and official agency guidance. Always confirm current requirements on the state agency website before you sell.
Program basics
- Kansas Statutes Annotated §65-689(d)(4) — Food Establishment License Exceptions (Cottage Food Exemption); accompanied by Kan. Admin. Regs. §4-28-33
- None
- No
- No
- Upon-complaint
Allowed products and sales channels
- Almost all nonperishable (non-TCS) foods can be sold directly to consumers anywhere, including out-of-state sales (with additional requirements). Allowed products include most baked goods, candies, dried goods, condiments, jams and jellies, nuts, snacks, and certain other shelf-stable items.
- Some perishable foods are allowed with restrictions (ready-to-eat items at events up to 6 times/year; certain TCS products up to 6 days/year without a license).
- Acidified foods (pickles, salsas, sauces, ketchup), oils, most perishable baked goods, low-acid canned foods, kombucha, and meat jerkies are prohibited under the direct-to-consumer exemption.
- Some lab-tested items (certain frostings, macarons, pecan pies, pepper jellies, mustards, low-acid jams, herb syrups) may be allowed with prior product testing.
- Indirect sales to restaurants, retail stores, or wholesale are not allowed under the exemption; producers needing wholesale or retail channels must obtain a KDA food processing license.
Labeling
- Labels must include: business address, business name, ingredients, net amount/weight, and product name. No specific 'not inspected' statement is required by state law, though KDA guidance recommends it.
Statute excerpt
- K.S.A. § 65-689. Same; license requirements, fees, inspections, denial, hearing, display; exceptions (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of conducting a food establishment or food processing plant unless such person shall have in effect a valid license therefor issued by the secretary.
- [...] (d) A license shall not be required by: (1) A plant or facility registered or licensed by the department of agriculture pursuant to article 7 of chapter 65 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto [...] (2) A registered nonprofit organization that provides food without charge solely to people who are food insecure [...] (3) A location where prepackaged individual meals are distributed to persons eligible under the federal older Americans act.
- (4) A person who produces food for distribution directly to the end consumer, if such food does not require time and temperature control for safety or specialized processing, as determined by the secretary. (5) A person who serves food exclusively on interstate conveyances or common carriers. (6) A person operating a food establishment for less than seven days in any calendar year. [...] Kan. Admin. Regs. § 4-28-33. Sanitation and hygiene requirements for exempt food establishments.
- Each food establishment exempted from licensure in K.S.A. 65-689, and amendments thereto, shall meet the following requirements: Food preparation areas shall be protected from environmental contamination, including rain, dust, and pests. Food contact surfaces, including cutting boards, utensils, and dishes, shall be cleaned, rinsed, and sanitized before food-handling activities begin and also as necessary.
Official sources
- State agency cottage food page: https://agriculture.ks.gov/divisions-programs/dairy-food-safety/cottage-food
- Statute: https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch65/065_006_0057.html
Summarized from official Kansas cottage food statute research and agency guidance. Agency rules change — verify on the official site before relying on this information.
Cottage Pro — $15 one time
This page is the free Kansas statute. Cottage Pro is the apply checklist and workspace.
Pick your Kansas county
The Cottage Baker's Field Guide (PDF)
A 6-page reference covering all 51 jurisdictions with methodology and tier explainers — same data as this directory, ready to print and tape to your wall.
Download the PDFFree email alerts
Kansas Cottage Food Updates
New bills, rule changes and local news for home bakers in Kansas. Every story links to its source.
What does the Great tier mean for Kansas?
Tier: Great. No or very high sales cap, broad product list, multiple sales channels including retail and online. Most home bakers can run a meaningful operation here.
Kansas cottage food law — quick summary
How do I start a cottage food business in Kansas?
How to start in Kansas
A practical path from “am I allowed?” to first sale. Not legal advice — confirm every step with Kansas agencies and your local offices.
Confirm your products are allowed
Kansas allows Almost all nonperishable (non-TCS) foods can be sold directly to consumers anywhere, including out-of-state sales (with additional requirements). Allowed products include most baked goods, candies, dried goods, condiments, jams and jellies, nuts, snacks, and certain other shelf-stable items. Some perishable foods are allowed with restrictions (ready-to-eat items at events up to 6 times/year; certain TCS products up to 6 days/year without a license).. High-risk or refrigerated foods usually need a commercial kitchen — not a cottage exemption.
Choose sales channels you can actually use
Sales cap: No cap. Indirect / wholesale-style sales: No. Farmers markets and direct-to-consumer pickup are the usual start. Check county and city rules before advertising porch pickup.
Clear local zoning, licenses, and tax IDs
State cottage food rules are the floor. Your city or county may still require a business license, home occupation approval, HOA permission, or sales tax registration. Do this before you print an address on Instagram.
Registration, training, and kitchen rules
State registration: No. Food handler / training: No. Kitchen inspection: Upon-complaint. Complete certificates the market or agency will ask for.
Build compliant labels
Use the Kansas label requirements on this site (and the free template). Match disclaimer language to the statute or agency guide before you print a batch.
Soft-launch, then first paid sales
Keep a simple sales log from day one so you stay under any annual cap. Soft-launch with pre-orders before a full market day.
Verify with official sources
Re-check the state cottage food page and your local health / planning office before you invest in equipment or marketing. Rules change.
What usually goes on the package
- Product name (common or usual name of the food)
- Business or producer name
- Producer address (or address alternative your state allows)
- Ingredients in descending order by weight
- Major allergen disclosures (e.g. wheat, milk, eggs, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, sesame)
- Net weight or quantity
- Home-kitchen disclaimer required by Kansas (exact wording may be set by statute or agency)
- Labels must include: business address, business name, ingredients, net amount/weight, and product name. No specific 'not inspected' statement is required by state law, though KDA guidance recommends it.
This is a planning checklist compiled for home bakers. It is not legal, tax, or zoning advice.
What are the Kansas sales cap, allowed products and registration rules?
None
Almost all nonperishable (non-TCS) foods can be sold directly to consumers anywhere, including out-of-state sales (with additional requirements). Allowed products include most baked goods, candies, dried goods, condiments, jams and jellies, nuts, snacks, and certain other shelf-stable items. Some perishable foods are allowed with restrictions (ready-to-eat items at events up to 6 times/year; certain TCS products up to 6 days/year without a license).
Registration: No. Food handler cert: No.
What does the Kansas cottage food statute say?
Kansas Statutes Annotated §65-689(d)(4) — Food Establishment License Exceptions (Cottage Food Exemption); accompanied by Kan. Admin. Regs. §4-28-33
Verbatim excerptK.S.A. § 65-689. Same; license requirements, fees, inspections, denial, hearing, display; exceptions (a) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of conducting a food establishment or food processing plant unless such person shall have in effect a valid license therefor issued by the secretary. [...] (d) A license shall not be required by: (1) A plant or facility registered or licensed by the department of agriculture pursuant to article 7 of chapter 65 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto [...] (2) A registered nonprofit organization that provides food without charge solely to people who are food insecure [...] (3) A location where prepackaged individual meals are distributed to persons eligible under the federal older Americans act. (4) A person who produces food for distribution directly to the end consumer, if such food does not require time and temperature control for safety or specialized processing, as determined by the secretary. (5) A person who serves food exclusively on interstate conveyances or common carriers. (6) A person operating a food establishment for less than seven days in any calendar year. [...] Kan. Admin. Regs. § 4-28-33. Sanitation and hygiene requirements for exempt food establishments. Each food establishment exempted from licensure in K.S.A. 65-689, and amendments thereto, shall meet the following requirements: Food preparation areas shall be protected from environmental contamination, including rain, dust, and pests. Food contact surfaces, including cutting boards, utensils, and dishes, shall be cleaned, rinsed, and sanitized before food-handling activities begin and also as necessary.
Source: nationalaglawcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/assets/cottagefood/Kansas.pdf →
How does Kansas compare with neighboring states?
Kansas vs neighboring cottage food laws
Tier and sales-cap snapshot for Kansas and nearby states. Click through for full rules, labeling, and county pages.
| State | Tier | Sales cap | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| KansasYou are here | Great | None | This page |
| Colorado | Great | Tiered (see notes) | Colorado law → |
| Missouri | Great | None | Missouri law → |
| Nebraska | Good | None | Nebraska law → |
| Oklahoma | Freedom | 75000 | Oklahoma law → |
Need a compliant product label for Kansas? Open the Kansas label mockup (free), or the Cottage Pro — 287-page label packet included.
Notes on Kansas cottage food rules
Where can I verify Kansas's rules?
Where to verify Kansas's rules
Kansas special guides
Which Kansas counties are covered?
Kansas Counties
105 counties tracked. Pick yours for the local zoning + health department links.
View all 105 counties →What are the city zoning rules in Kansas?
City zoning rules in Kansas
City zoning rules apply on top of the state cottage food law — home occupation, customer pickup, signage, and employees.
Was this page helpful?
Kansas cottage food law — FAQ
Do I need a license or permit to sell homemade food in Kansas?
No registration required
What foods can I sell under the Kansas cottage food law?
Almost all nonperishable (non-TCS) foods can be sold directly to consumers anywhere, including out-of-state sales (with additional requirements). Allowed products include most baked goods, candies, dried goods, condiments, jams and jellies, nuts, snacks, and certain other shelf-stable items. Some perishable foods are allowed with restrictions (ready-to-eat items at events up to 6 times/year; certain TCS products up to 6 days/year without a license).
Is there a sales cap for cottage food in Kansas?
None
How good is Kansas's cottage food law?
Kansas is a Great-tier cottage food state by Crosodo's rating criteria. No or very high sales cap, broad product list, multiple sales channels including retail and online. Most home bakers can run a meaningful operation here.
Keep exploring Kansas
Keep exploring Kansas
Labels, product checks, county zoning, and local discuss — so one state page becomes a full readiness plan.
Market-day tees from the Crosodo collection — for the craft, not the algorithm.
What do bakers ask about Kansas?
What bakers ask about Kansas
Seed threads for markets, zoning, and labels — join the channel or ask the directory.
Farmers market process in Kansas?
Which markets welcome cottage bakers, what they charge, and label checks on day one.
Good label printers in Kansas?
Local print shops or home setups that handle home-kitchen disclaimers cleanly.
Zoning experience in Kansas counties?
Home occupation, pickup traffic, signage — what did your planning office actually require?
How I got legal in Kansas
Registration portal tips, food handler cert, and the county step nobody publishes.
Kansas label wording that passed review
Share real labels (blur personal info) and any county extras beyond the state minimum.
Crosodo tees for Kansas bakers
You might like these too
While you're deep in Kansas rules — vintage-varsity tees for booth days and bake nights.
Can I list my bakes in the Crosodo classifieds?
Resources for cottage food and home bakers
Supplies, courses, insurance, farmers markets, kitchen rentals, and local services. To advertise here, visit crosodo.com/advertise. Browse all classifieds.
Ads are paid placements. Crosodo does not endorse listed vendors. Verify all product, service, course, insurance, and legal information independently.
Is this Kansas page legal advice?
Cottage food laws are amended every year. This is a starting reference, not legal advice. Verify with Kansas Department of Agriculture and your local health department before relying on this data.
Official filing: Kansas Department of Agriculture →
How does the Crosodo ladder work here? State vs county rules and pets
Crosodo ladder · not a license · How the ladder works
- 0Bake for friends
Give it away: gifts, potlucks, the office tray.
$0
Taking money? → Step 1
- 1Sell from home
Sell shelf-stable bakes straight to the person who eats them.
Want store shelves? → Step 2
- 2Sell to stores
Sell to shops, cafés and resellers from an inspected kitchen.
Kansas
- Selling to stores: check with Kansas Department of Agriculture
Want a storefront? → Step 3
- 3Commercial bakery
Bake in a commercial kitchen. Sell from your own shop.
Kansas
- Commercial kitchen permit: check with Kansas Department of Agriculture
Renew permits every year
- Pets: do I need a door?
Kansas · Step 1
Not verified yet
Check with Kansas Department of Agriculture.
Kansas · Step 2 (home)
Not verified yet
Check with Kansas Department of Agriculture.
Pick your county for local rules → Crosodo is a research guide, not a government agency. Not legal advice.