Current Law Details
Dual system: (1) Home-Based Processors - no growing required, $50/year, online orders with pickup/delivery only, NO shipping; (2) Home-Based Microprocessors - must grow predominant ingredient, $50 workshop + $5/recipe approval, inspection every 4 years, only 3 sales locations (farm/KY farmers market/certified roadside stand). NO shipping for either type. Pet food allowed with separate UK registration.
Registration & Training
📋Registration
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- registration
- Cost
- $50 annually (both processor types)
- Inspection Required
- No
🎓Training
- Required
- No
Labeling Requirements
Required Statement
"These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection"
Additional Label Elements
- ✓Product name
- ✓Business name and address or MDA registration number
- ✓Ingredients list (descending order by weight)
- ✓Allergen information
- ✓Net weight or volume
Allowed Sales Venues
Processors: any market/stand/event. Microprocessors ONLY 3 locations: their farm, KY-registered farmers markets, or certified roadside stands (KY Farm Bureau). Processors can accept online orders but only for pickup/delivery. NO shipping for either type.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Options
- In-State
- Not Allowed
- Out-of-State
- Not Allowed
Delivery Methods
- Commercial Carriers
- Not Allowed
- Third-Party Delivery
- Not Allowed
NO shipping allowed. Processors can accept online orders but must fulfill via pickup or personal delivery. Microprocessors cannot sell online at all.
Allowed Foods
Processors: baked goods, fruit jams/jellies/preserves, candies, dried fruits/vegetables, herbs, spices, granola, trail mix, popcorn, honey, pet treats (separate registration). Microprocessors only: canned tomatoes, pickles, salsa, BBQ sauce, pepper/herb jellies, vinegars, acidified foods (pH ≤ 4.6, approved recipes only, no pressure-canned) - must grow predominant ingredient and use approved cookbook recipes only.
Recent Legislative Updates
HB 263
Effective: July 14, 2018
Created Home-Based Processor category for non-farmers, expanded beyond farmers-only restriction, added online ordering provision (pickup/delivery only)
HB 468
Effective: March 27, 2019
Minor technical amendments to cottage food law framework
Important Warnings & Notes
- ⚠️Microprocessors must grow the predominant ingredient in all products
- ⚠️Microprocessors can ONLY use recipes from 4 approved cookbooks - no custom recipes
- ⚠️Microprocessors limited to 3 sales locations: farm, KY-registered farmers market, certified roadside stand
- ⚠️NO shipping allowed for any cottage food products - in-person delivery required
- ⚠️Online ordering allowed for processors but fulfillment must be pickup or personal delivery
- ⚠️Pet food requires separate registration through UK Division of Regulatory Services
Research Sources
This information was compiled from the following sources (Last updated: 2025-10-06):
- •KRS 217.136 - Home-based food processors
- •KRS 217.137 - Administrative regulations for microprocessors
- •902 KAR 45:090 - Microprocessor regulations
- •University of Kentucky Extension - Homebased Processing
- •Forrager.com - Kentucky
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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