Pennsylvania Cottage Food Law
Tier: Good. Solid baseline with moderate restrictions — typically a high cap (often $50K+) and standard direct-to-consumer rules. Workable for most home bakers.
None
Non-potentially hazardous (non-TCS) foods that do not require refrigeration of the finished product are allowed, including baked goods, jams and jellies, beverages and drinks, acid/acidified/fermented foods (with specific testing requirements), candy, and other shelf-stable foods. Each food category has specific requirements detailed in the application packet.
Registration: Yes. Food handler cert: No.
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 3 – Agriculture, Chapter 57 – Food Protection, Subchapter B – Food Safety, Sections 5721–5737 (Food Safety Act)
Verbatim excerptAccording to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Limited Food Establishment Application Packet (Rev 3/2024): "According to the Food Safety Act (3 Pa.C.S.A. §§5721 – 5737) '…it shall be the duty of every person operating a food establishment within this Commonwealth to register…'" The Limited Food Establishment program registers home-based and noncommercial food production sites that meet specific guidelines. In this program, we refer to 'limited food processors' or 'residential-style kitchens' as any kitchen meant for home use, regardless of location. These kitchens can only make non-hazardous foods that do not require refrigeration of the finished product. Given the restrictions and possible testing for home kitchens, close monitoring is essential. Registration involves inspection of the food production site on a routine basis by the Department. Registration includes sales direct from the production site including internet sales; however, businesses aiming to sell across state lines might also need FDA registration. A Retail Food Facility License may also be required for sales at an event or Farmer's Market. *This registration is not permitted in Philadelphia County.
Source: pa.gov/agencies/pda/food/food-safety/limited-food-establishment-.html →
Pennsylvania Cottage Food Law — Full PDF report
A comprehensive report covering the Pennsylvania statute, every county we've researched, and authoritative source URLs.
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Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania's cottage food rules are set by 3 Pa.C.S. §§5721–5737. 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
- Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 3 – Agriculture, Chapter 57 – Food Protection, Subchapter B – Food Safety, Sections 5721–5737 (Food Safety Act)
- None
- Yes
- No
- Yes
Allowed products and sales channels
- Non-potentially hazardous (non-TCS) foods that do not require refrigeration of the finished product are allowed, including baked goods, jams and jellies, beverages and drinks, acid/acidified/fermented foods (with specific testing requirements), candy, and other shelf-stable foods.
- Each food category has specific requirements detailed in the application packet.
- Any food that requires refrigeration (temperature control) for the finished product is prohibited under the Limited Food Establishment registration. Low-acid canned foods (LACF) have additional requirements. Meat, poultry, and dairy products are generally not permitted without additional licensing.
- The program is not available in Philadelphia County.
- Registration includes sales direct from the production site including internet sales. However, a separate Retail Food Facility License may be required for sales at events or Farmers Markets. Businesses aiming to sell across state lines might also need FDA registration.
- The registration covers home-based operations in residential kitchens as well as residential-style kitchens in alternate locations such as churches, fire halls, or remodeled garages. Not available in Philadelphia County.
Labeling
- Labeling must comply with applicable federal and state requirements. Products must include product name, manufacturer/packer/distributor name and address, net weight or volume, ingredient list, and lot dates or numbers. Products must be properly labeled prior to sale.
- Specific commodity requirements for baked goods, jams and jellies, beverages, canned foods, and candy are detailed in the application packet.
Statute excerpt
- According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Limited Food Establishment Application Packet (Rev 3/2024): "According to the Food Safety Act (3 Pa.C.S.A. §§5721 – 5737) '…it shall be the duty of every person operating a food establishment within this Commonwealth to register…'" The Limited Food Establishment program registers home-based and noncommercial food production sites that meet specific guidelines.
- In this program, we refer to 'limited food processors' or 'residential-style kitchens' as any kitchen meant for home use, regardless of location. These kitchens can only make non-hazardous foods that do not require refrigeration of the finished product. Given the restrictions and possible testing for home kitchens, close monitoring is essential. Registration involves inspection of the food production site on a routine basis by the Department.
- Registration includes sales direct from the production site including internet sales; however, businesses aiming to sell across state lines might also need FDA registration. A Retail Food Facility License may also be required for sales at an event or Farmer's Market. *This registration is not permitted in Philadelphia County.
Official sources
- State agency cottage food page: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/food/limited-food-establishment.html
- Statute: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=03&div=0&chpt=57
Summarized from official Pennsylvania cottage food statute research and agency guidance. Agency rules change — verify on the official site before relying on this information.
Pennsylvania Counties
67 counties tracked. Pick yours for the local zoning + health department links.
View all 67 counties →City zoning rules in Pennsylvania
City zoning rules apply on top of the state cottage food law — home occupation, customer pickup, signage, and employees.
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.
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Pennsylvania cottage food law — FAQ
Do I need a license or permit to sell homemade food in Pennsylvania?
Yes — Yes. Food handler certification: No.
What foods can I sell under the Pennsylvania cottage food law?
Non-potentially hazardous (non-TCS) foods that do not require refrigeration of the finished product are allowed, including baked goods, jams and jellies, beverages and drinks, acid/acidified/fermented foods (with specific testing requirements), candy, and other shelf-stable foods. Each food category has specific requirements detailed in the application packet.
Is there a sales cap for cottage food in Pennsylvania?
None
How good is Pennsylvania's cottage food law?
Pennsylvania is a Good-tier cottage food state by Crosodo's rating criteria. Solid baseline with moderate restrictions — typically a high cap (often $50K+) and standard direct-to-consumer rules. Workable for most home bakers.
Cottage food laws are amended every year. This is a starting reference, not legal advice. Verify with Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and your local health department before relying on this data.