Current Law Details
HB 251 (signed August 24, 2024) replaced $25,000 cottage food law with food freedom law. Allows almost any homemade food including perishables. Certain meat products allowed: USDA-inspected OR producer's own poultry (โค1,000 birds). Business license required. Sales within Alaska only.
Registration & Training
๐Registration
- Required
- No
๐Training
- Required
- No
Labeling Requirements
Required Statement
"This food was made in a home kitchen, is not regulated or inspected, except for meat and meat products, and may contain allergens."
Additional Label Elements
- โProducer's name
- โCurrent address
- โTelephone number
- โBusiness license number
Allowed Sales Venues
Non-potentially hazardous foods can sell through retail/grocery stores. Potentially hazardous foods (perishables) must be sold directly by producer. No wholesale to restaurants.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Options
- In-State
- Allowed
- Out-of-State
- Not Allowed
Delivery Methods
- Commercial Carriers
- Allowed
- Third-Party Delivery
- Allowed
Online sales and mail order allowed within Alaska only. No interstate commerce. Third-party vendors allowed for non-perishable foods only.
Allowed Foods
Extensive permissions: cheesecakes, cream pies, refrigerated foods, eggs from domesticated birds, kombucha. Meat allowed if USDA-inspected OR producer's own poultry (โค1,000 birds under federal exemption). NO raw milk, game meat, seafood/shellfish, uninspected meat, or cannabis products.
Recent Legislative Updates
HB 251 (Chapter 34 SLA 24)
Effective: August 24, 2024
Replaced previous cottage food law with comprehensive food freedom law. Removed $25,000 cap, allowed perishables and certain meat products, no permits/training required
Important Warnings & Notes
- โ ๏ธMunicipality of Anchorage has separate MORE RESTRICTIVE regulations: requires Cottage Food License, MOA Food Worker Card, only non-perishable foods, no shipping
- โ ๏ธOther local jurisdictions may have additional requirements
- โ ๏ธNo interstate sales allowed
- โ ๏ธBusiness license required (check with Alaska Business Licensing)
Research Sources
This information was compiled from the following sources (Last updated: 2025-10-06):
- โขAlaska Statutes AS 17.20.332-338
- โขAlaska DEC Homemade Food webpage
- โขAlaska Legislature HB 251
- โขForrager.com - Alaska
Important Legal Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Cottage food laws change frequently and vary by local jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with your state and local health departments before starting your business.
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