Current Law Details
RESTRICTIVE - $25,000 cap (lowest among neighboring states), physical home address required on labels (privacy concern), NO online sales or shipping. Direct in-person sales only at farmers markets, roadside stands, home pickup. No permits/inspections required (positive). PENDING REFORM: HB 4122 passed House 101-7 (April 2025), pending in Senate - would increase cap to $50,000 per person (vs per household), allow online sales/shipping, and create optional MSU registration for address privacy.
Registration & Training
📋Registration
- Required
- No
🎓Training
- Required
- No
Labeling Requirements
Required Statement
"Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Michigan department of agriculture and rural development"
Additional Label Elements
- ✓Product name
- ✓Physical home address (P.O. Box NOT permitted)
- ✓Ingredients list (descending order by weight)
- ✓Net weight or volume
- ✓Allergen labeling (wheat, milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame)
Allowed Sales Venues
Direct, face-to-face sales only. Can advertise online but CANNOT accept orders or payments online. NO shipping or delivery services. Individual farmers markets may have additional requirements.
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, mail order, or delivery services allowed. All sales must be face-to-face between producer and consumer. Can advertise online but transaction must occur in person.
Allowed Foods
Allowed: Baked goods (no cream/custard fillings), fruit-based jams/jellies/preserves (21 CFR Part 150 only - NO sugar-free, no-sugar-added, or hot pepper varieties), candy, granola, dry cereal, popcorn, nuts, trail mix, dried pasta, dry baking mixes, dry soup mixes, dry dip mixes, dried herbs/spices, dry rubs, dehydrated fruits/vegetables, coffee, vinegar. Prohibited: ALL pickles, salsas, tomato sauce, canned goods, acidified foods, fermented foods, perishables, meat, dairy, vegetable jellies.
Recent Legislative Updates
HB 4122
Effective: Pending Senate action
Passed House 101-7 (April 22, 2025), pending in Senate. Would increase cap to $50,000 per person (vs household), allow online sales/shipping in-state, create optional MSU registration for address privacy, index to CPI for inflation
Automatic increase
Effective: December 31, 2017
Sales cap automatically increased from $20,000 to $25,000 per statute provision
Amendment
Effective: 2012
Increased sales cap from $15,000 to $20,000
Important Warnings & Notes
- ⚠️Physical home address REQUIRED on labels - P.O. Box NOT permitted (privacy concern)
- ⚠️Sales cap is per-household, not per-person (shared among all household producers)
- ⚠️NO online sales, shipping, or delivery services allowed
- ⚠️Can advertise online but cannot accept orders or payments online
- ⚠️$25,000 cap has not been adjusted for inflation since 2017
- ⚠️HB 4122 reform bill pending in Senate - may significantly improve law if passed
- ⚠️Jams/jellies: Only fruit-based varieties meeting 21 CFR Part 150 - excludes sugar-free, no-sugar-added, and hot pepper types
Research Sources
This information was compiled from the following sources (Last updated: 2025-10-06):
- •MCL 289.4102 - Michigan Cottage Food Operation statute
- •Michigan Legislature - HB 4122 (2025)
- •Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
- •Michigan State University Extension
- •Forrager.com - Michigan
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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