Food Safety

Cottage foods are low‑risk foods that people can safely make in their home kitchens and sell directly to the public. These foods don’t require inspection by the Jefferson County Health Department because they stay safe at room temperature when handled correctly.

Common cottage foods include:

• Baked goods
• Jams and jellies
• Candies
• Dried herbs and seasonings
• Certain shelf‑stable snacks

Some sellers offer freeze‑dried foods. Freeze‑drying removes moisture, so food lasts longer. These items may qualify as cottage foods if they stay non‑potentially hazardous, meaning they do not require refrigeration to remain safe.

Labeling Requirements

All cottage food products must include clear labels. Each label should list:

• The name of the food
• The producer’s name and address
• Ingredients in order of weight
• A statement that the item was made in a home kitchen

Safe Food Handling

Even though cottage foods are exempt from permits, producers are still responsible for keeping food safe. Good practices include:

• Washing hands before preparing food
• Using clean tools and containers
• Storing ingredients safely
• Protecting finished foods from contamination

Getting Foods Tested (Optional but Helpful)

Some sellers may want to have their food tested, especially if they are unsure whether a product is shelf‑stable or safe to sell as a cottage food. Product testing can help you:

• Confirm whether your food is non‑potentially hazardous
• Learn safe water‑activity or pH levels
• Make sure the food will stay safe at room temperature

You can find qualified testing labs and experts through the Food Processing Authority Directory. These experts can help review your recipe, test your product, or guide you on what steps are needed to keep it safe.

If you’re not sure whether your food qualifies as a cottage food, or you have questions about freeze‑dried items, our Environmental Public Health team is here to help. Email us at environmental@jeffcohealth.org.