Current Law Details
One of most entrepreneur-friendly laws using prohibited foods list approach (can make anything not prohibited). No sales cap. SB 2617 (Public Act 103-0903, August 2024) added mobile farmers markets and adjacent county registration. Requires up to $50 annual registration and Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification valid 5 years. In-state online sales and shipping allowed (non-perishable only).
Registration & Training
📋Registration
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- registration
- Cost
- Up to $50 (varies by county, cannot exceed $50 by state law)
- Inspection Required
- No
🎓Training
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification
- Cost
- $100-$200 (varies by provider)
- Validity Period
- 5 years
Labeling Requirements
Required Statement
"This product was produced in a home kitchen not subject to public health inspection that may also process common food allergens"
Additional Label Elements
- ✓Cottage food operation name
- ✓Registration number
- ✓Complete ingredient list (descending order by weight)
- ✓Product name
- ✓Net weight or volume
- ✓Allergen information (if applicable)
Allowed Sales Venues
Farmers markets (traditional and mobile), fairs/festivals, public events, online platforms, home pickup, direct delivery, third-party pickup locations (with owner consent). Mobile farmers markets added 2024. Cannot sell wholesale or to retail establishments.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Options
- In-State
- Allowed
- Out-of-State
- Not Allowed
Delivery Methods
- Commercial Carriers
- Allowed
- Third-Party Delivery
- Allowed
In-state shipping allowed for non-perishable, non-TCS foods only via mail/parcel service. Must use tamper-evident packaging. Online sales permitted within Illinois. Interstate shipping prohibited. Direct-to-consumer sales only.
Allowed Foods
Prohibited list approach - can make anything NOT prohibited. Allowed: baked goods (without hazardous fillings), candies, jams/jellies/preserves, dried herbs/seasonings, dry mixes, certain canned products (USDA-tested recipes), fermented/acidified foods (with pH testing or USDA recipe), dehydrated foods, frozen goods (certain), baked goods with cheese (may require lab testing). Canned tomatoes require USDA/extension tested recipe. Prohibited: meat, poultry, fish, most dairy, raw eggs, pumpkin/sweet potato/custard/cream pies, cheesecakes, garlic in oil (unless acidified), low-acid canned foods, sprouts, cut leafy greens (except dehydrated/acidified/blanched frozen), cut/pureed fresh tomato or melon, wild mushrooms, kombucha.
Recent Legislative Updates
SB 2617 (Public Act 103-0903)
Effective: August 9, 2024
Added mobile farmers markets as permitted venue, allowed adjacent county registration for counties without health departments, updated TCS food definitions and terminology, added explicit employee definition.
SB 2007 (Home-to-Market Act, Public Act 102-0633)
Effective: January 1, 2022
Eliminated $1,000 monthly sales cap, allowed all direct-to-consumer sales statewide, added online sales/delivery/shipping, added pickup from third-party locations. Transformed Illinois into one of most permissive states.
Important Warnings & Notes
- ⚠️CFPM certification required (~$100-200) and must be renewed every 5 years
- ⚠️Annual registration required with local health department (up to $50)
- ⚠️Some counties may require water testing for private/shared wells
- ⚠️Canned tomato products must follow USDA-tested recipes exactly
- ⚠️Fermented/acidified foods require pH testing or USDA recipe submission
- ⚠️Baked goods with cheese may require lab testing by local health department
- ⚠️Shipping only within Illinois, only non-perishable items, must use tamper-evident packaging
- ⚠️Cannot sell wholesale or to retail establishments/restaurants
- ⚠️County health departments have discretion on implementation - requirements may vary
Research Sources
This information was compiled from the following sources (Last updated: 2025-10-06):
- •Illinois Department of Public Health - Cottage Food Page
- •Illinois General Assembly - Public Act 103-0903 (SB 2617)
- •Illinois General Assembly - Public Act 102-0633 (SB 2007)
- •University of Illinois Extension - 2024 Cottage Food Guide
- •Illinois Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act (410 ILCS 625/4)
- •Forrager.com - Illinois
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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