Current Law Details
PA 22-8 (2022) increased sales cap from $25,000 to $50,000. Online sales allowed BUT no shipping - in-person delivery required. $50 annual license, home inspection required. ServSafe training required. Private well testing required if applicable. SB154 (2025) to allow farm store/cafe sales within 20-mile radius pending.
Registration & Training
📋Registration
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- license
- Cost
- $50 annually
- Renewal Period
- Annual
- Inspection Required
- Yes
🎓Training
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- ServSafe Food Handler or ServSafe Manager
- Cost
- ~$15 (online courses)
Labeling Requirements
Required Statement
"Made in a Home Kitchen"
Additional Label Elements
- ✓Product name
- ✓Cottage food license number
- ✓Name and address of operation
- ✓Ingredients in descending order
- ✓Allergen information
- ✓Net quantity
- ✓Production date or use-by date
Allowed Sales Venues
Direct sales only. Allowed at home, farmers markets, fairs, festivals, charitable functions, roadside stands. NOT allowed at grocery stores, restaurants, long-term care facilities, group homes, daycares, schools. No consignment or wholesale.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Options
- In-State
- In-Person Only
- Out-of-State
- Not Allowed
Delivery Methods
- Commercial Carriers
- Not Allowed
- Third-Party Delivery
- Not Allowed
Online ordering allowed but NO shipping via mail, UPS, FedEx, or third-party services. In-person delivery by operator or designee required. Within Connecticut only.
Allowed Foods
Only non-potentially hazardous foods (no time/temperature control required). Baked goods, fruit pies (NOT pumpkin pie), jams/jellies, candies, confections, coated nuts, popcorn, dry herbs, granola, coffee beans, vinegar. NO fruit butters, acidified foods, pickles, salsas, beverages, meat, pumpkin pie, cheesecakes, or refrigerated items.
Recent Legislative Updates
Public Act 22-8 (SB 187)
Effective: October 1, 2022
Increased annual sales cap from $25,000 to $50,000 (100% increase)
SB154
Effective: Pending
Proposed to authorize cottage food sales at farm stores and cafes within 20-mile radius (status pending)
Important Warnings & Notes
- ⚠️Online sales allowed BUT no shipping - must deliver in person
- ⚠️Home kitchen inspection required initially and commissioner may inspect at any time
- ⚠️Private well water testing required if applicable (at least annually)
- ⚠️Zoning compliance confirmation required before license
- ⚠️Cannot ship via mail, UPS, FedEx, or third-party delivery services
- ⚠️Fruit butters specifically not allowed despite seeming similar to jams
Research Sources
This information was compiled from the following sources (Last updated: 2025-10-06):
- •Connecticut General Statutes § 21a-62c, § 21a-62d
- •Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
- •Public Act 22-8 (2022)
- •Forrager.com - Connecticut
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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