Current Law Details
One of the most permissive states with 'minimal regulations philosophy.' No license, permit, inspection, registration, or sales cap. Risk Assessment Form recommended but not required by state (may be required by local health districts or venues). In-state mail order and online sales allowed. Acidified foods (pickles, salsa) specifically prohibited.
Registration & Training
📋Registration
- Required
- No
🎓Training
- Required
- No
Labeling Requirements
Required Statement
"The food was prepared in a home kitchen that is not subject to regulation and inspection"
Additional Label Elements
- ✓Contact phone number of producer
- ✓Producer's name and address (recommended)
- ✓Allergen information (recommended)
Allowed Sales Venues
Any direct-to-consumer venue allowed including farmers markets, roadside stands, home sales, online, and mail order. No third-party sales (wholesale, consignment, retail stores, restaurants). Venues may require Risk Assessment Form as condition of participation.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Options
- In-State
- Allowed
- Out-of-State
- Not Allowed
Delivery Methods
- Commercial Carriers
- Allowed
- Third-Party Delivery
- Allowed
In-state shipping via mail/parcel service allowed. Personal delivery by producer allowed. Online sales permitted. No out-of-state shipping (Idaho residents only). Direct-to-consumer sales only - no wholesale or third-party sales.
Allowed Foods
Non-TCS foods allowed: baked goods (non-refrigerated), fruit jams/jellies (high sugar), candies, confections, popcorn, dry herbs/seasonings, cereals, trail mixes, granola, nuts, honey, vinegar. Acidified foods (pickles, salsa, pickled vegetables) specifically PROHIBITED. Fruit butters, applesauce, chutney, pepper jams, reduced sugar jams may require pH or water activity testing. No perishable baked goods, TCS foods, meat, dairy, canned goods.
Recent Legislative Updates
Idaho Food Code (IDAPA 16.02.19)
Effective: April 6, 2023
Most recent regulatory update to Idaho Food Code (routine administrative update, not substantive cottage food law changes). Original cottage food framework proposed 2016 with 'better definitions, but not regulations' philosophy.
Important Warnings & Notes
- ⚠️Risk Assessment Form recommended but NOT required by state law - individual health districts and venues may require it
- ⚠️Private water testing recommended every 3 months (not required)
- ⚠️Acidified foods (pickles, salsa) specifically prohibited regardless of pH
- ⚠️No third-party sales - must be direct-to-consumer only
- ⚠️Fruit butters, pepper jams, reduced sugar items may require pH/water activity testing
- ⚠️Sales tax permit required from Idaho Department of Revenue
Research Sources
This information was compiled from the following sources (Last updated: 2025-10-06):
- •Idaho Administrative Code IDAPA 16.02.19 (Idaho Food Code, effective April 6, 2023)
- •Central District Health - Cottage Food Fact Sheet (October 2023)
- •Idaho Public Health - Cottage Foods FAQ
- •Eastern Idaho Public Health - Home Operations Guidance
- •Forrager.com - Idaho
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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