Current Law Details
Unique two-tier system: (1) Breads, cakes, cookies, pies have NO sales cap but must be sold directly to consumers only - cannot sell to retail stores; (2) All other cottage foods have $30,000 cap but CAN be sold to retail stores/restaurants. Online advertising allowed but all products must be delivered in person - no shipping permitted. No state permit required but sales tax certificates mandatory. Increased from $20,000 in 2022 (HB 828).
Registration & Training
📋Registration
- Required
- No
🎓Training
- Required
- No
Labeling Requirements
Required Statement
"This food was not produced in a licensed or regulated facility"
Additional Label Elements
- ✓Product name
- ✓Producer name and address
- ✓Ingredients list (descending order by weight)
- ✓Allergen information (major food allergens)
- ✓Net weight or quantity
Allowed Sales Venues
IMPORTANT: Breads, cakes, cookies, and pies can ONLY be sold directly to consumers - cannot sell to retail stores or restaurants. All other cottage foods (jams, candies, sauces, honey, etc.) CAN be sold to retail establishments. Online advertising allowed but all sales must be in person.
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 or mail order allowed. All products must be delivered in person via face-to-face exchange. Can advertise online but transaction must occur in person within Louisiana.
Allowed Foods
Allowed: Breads, cakes, cookies, pies (no cap but direct sales only), candies, cane syrup, dried mixes, honey/honeycomb, jams/jellies/preserves, pickles and acidified foods, sauces (shelf-stable), syrups, spices. Prohibited: Foods containing animal muscle or fish protein, raw doughs, juices, fermented foods, CBD products, any food requiring time/temperature control.
Recent Legislative Updates
HB 828 (Act 357)
Effective: August 1, 2022
Increased sales cap from $20,000 to $30,000
HB 1270
Effective: 2014
Greatly increased number of allowed foods and added regulations
Act 542
Effective: 2013
Established Louisiana's cottage food law with $20,000 cap
Important Warnings & Notes
- ⚠️Breads, cakes, cookies, and pies CANNOT be sold to retail stores, restaurants, or for resale - direct sales only
- ⚠️All other cottage foods CAN be sold to retail stores and restaurants
- ⚠️No shipping or mail order - must deliver in person
- ⚠️Cannot employ help in preparation - family members in home may assist
- ⚠️Foods containing CBD explicitly prohibited
Research Sources
This information was compiled from the following sources (Last updated: 2025-10-06):
- •Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 40, RS 40:4.9
- •Louisiana HB 828 (2022)
- •Forrager.com - Louisiana
- •Institute for Justice - Louisiana
- •Cottage Food Laws - Louisiana
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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