Current Law Details
Dual-law system (both can be used simultaneously): (1) Home Sales (RSMo 196.298): Baked goods/jams/herbs, home + online (in-state) + delivery, NO cap, NO permits. Online sales added 2022 (HB 1697). (2) Individual Stands (Food Code): Most non-PHF foods including candies, farmers markets/events/roadside stands (where local codes allow), NO cap, NO permits. IMPORTANT: Individual Stands law availability varies by county - check local regulations. NO shipping for either.
Registration & Training
📋Registration
- Required
- No
🎓Training
- Required
- No
Labeling Requirements
Required Statement
"Home Sales: 'not subject to inspection by MO DHSS'; Individual Stands: 'prepared in a kitchen not subject to inspection'"
Additional Label Elements
- ✓Cottage food operator's name and address
- ✓Product name
- ✓Ingredients (descending order by weight)
- ✓Net weight or volume
- ✓Placard for unpackaged individual portions at stands
Allowed Sales Venues
Dual system: Home Sales law for home/online sales. Individual Stands law for markets/events (if county allows). Home: Home Sales law only. Farmers markets/roadside stands/events: Individual Stands only (if county allows). Online: Home Sales law allows in-state only; Individual Stands does not. BOTH laws can be used simultaneously by same producer.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Options
- In-State
- Allowed
- Out-of-State
- Not Allowed
Delivery Methods
- Commercial Carriers
- Not Allowed
- Third-Party Delivery
- Not Allowed
Home Sales law: In-state shipping/delivery allowed (commercial carriers and third-party delivery allowed for Home Sales). Both producer AND purchaser must be in Missouri. Individual Stands law: No shipping, in-person sales only.
Allowed Foods
HOME SALES: Nonperishable baked goods, jams/jellies (traditional only, excludes sugar-free/no-sugar-added/hot pepper), dried herbs. INDIVIDUAL STANDS: All of Home Sales PLUS candies, honey, sorghum, nut butters, cracked nuts, packaged spices, dry mixes, granola. Candy only available under Individual Stands law. Jams/jellies limited to traditional varieties (no sugar-free, no-sugar-added, or hot pepper). Both exclude low-acid canned, acidified foods, fermented foods, meat, dairy, perishables.
Recent Legislative Updates
HB 1697
Effective: August 28, 2022
MAJOR REFORM: Removed $50,000 sales cap entirely, enabled online sales (in-state only) and shipping within Missouri for Home Sales law
SB 525
Effective: 2014
Created Missouri Cottage Food Law (Home Sales) with $50,000 cap and in-person home sales only
Important Warnings & Notes
- ⚠️Individual Stands law NOT available in all counties - 'where local codes allow'
- ⚠️Check with county/municipal health department for Individual Stands availability
- ⚠️Jams/jellies: Traditional varieties only - excludes sugar-free, no-sugar-added, and hot pepper types
- ⚠️Home Sales law: Only operator can prepare food
- ⚠️Individual Stands law: Operator + immediate family can prepare
- ⚠️Online sales allowed for Home Sales law but BOTH producer and purchaser must be in Missouri
- ⚠️NO out-of-state or interstate sales permitted
Research Sources
This information was compiled from the following sources (Last updated: 2025-10-06):
- •RSMo 196.298 - Missouri Cottage Food Law
- •Missouri Food Code - Individual Stands exemption
- •Missouri HB 1697 (2022)
- •Missouri DHSS - Home-Based Kitchen Guidance
- •Forrager.com - Missouri
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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