Current Law Details
No formal cottage food law - operates under Home Processor Program (no statutory protection). STRICTEST PET POLICY IN THE NATION: No pets allowed in home at ANY time (even at night) per 21 CFR 117 Subpart B Good Manufacturing Practices - indoor pets classified as pests. 8-12 week application processing. Online sales within state allowed. No sales cap. Free application/inspection. Acidified foods allowed with $400 course + $150/product testing. Must use main home kitchen only. Contact: homeprocessing@ncagr.gov | (984) 236-4820
Registration & Training
📋Registration
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- permit
- Cost
- $0 (FREE - no application or inspection fees)
- Inspection Required
- Yes
🎓Training
- Required
- No
Labeling Requirements
Required Statement
"None specified (or custom/on-demand products exempt)"
Additional Label Elements
- ✓Product name (common or usual name)
- ✓Manufacturer's name and complete physical address (must use actual street address, no PO boxes)
- ✓Net weight (in ounces or pounds plus gram equivalent)
- ✓Ingredient list (complete list, in order of predominance by weight, include sub-ingredients)
- ✓Nutrition Facts panel (only if making nutritional claims)
- ✓Allergen warnings (recommended but not required unless making claims)
Allowed Sales Venues
Broad venue access: direct from home to consumer, online sales (within NC only), farmers markets, festivals/events, roadside stands, retail stores, restaurants (can purchase labeled cottage foods and either sell directly or incorporate into their dishes). In-state sales only (no interstate commerce).
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Options
- In-State
- Allowed
- Out-of-State
- Not Allowed
Delivery Methods
- Commercial Carriers
- Allowed
- Third-Party Delivery
- Allowed
Online sales and in-state delivery/shipping allowed within North Carolina state borders only. No interstate sales or out-of-state shipping.
Allowed Foods
Low-risk non-potentially hazardous foods. APPROVED: breads/rolls/biscuits, cookies/brownies/bars, cakes/cupcakes (no cream filling), pastries (no cream filling), pies (fruit-based, no cream/custard), muffins/scones, fruit jams/jellies/marmalades/fruit butters/preserves, hard candy/fudge/toffee/caramels/chocolate confections (shelf-stable), dried herbs/spices/spice blends/tea blends/coffee blends, dried mixes (cake mixes, soup mixes, etc.). ACIDIFIED FOODS (with special requirements): pickles, pickled vegetables, salsas, BBQ sauces (acidified), hot sauces, salad dressings, acidified peppers - REQUIRES NC State University Online Acidified Foods Manufacturing School ($400, ~20 hours, 365 days to complete, FDA-recognized per 21 CFR 114.10 and 108.25) AND product testing ($150 per product). OTHER LIQUIDS: lemonade, tea concentrates, coffee concentrates, some shelf-stable acidified sauces. ADDITIONAL: freeze-dried fruits/vegetables, granola, popcorn (flavored), nuts (roasted, flavored). PROHIBITED: dairy products (milk, cream, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, cream cheese), refrigerated/frozen items requiring refrigeration for safety, perishable baked goods, cream-filled pastries, custard pies, protein foods (meats all types, poultry, seafood/fish, eggs standalone except as ingredient, meat jerky), low-acid canned foods, pressure-canned vegetables, canned meats, canned soups (low-acid), bottled water, fresh juice, milk-based drinks, pet food/treats, CBD/THC products, USDA inspection products.
Recent Legislative Updates
Low Risk Mobile Retail Food Establishment License
Effective: February 12, 2024
New license category created (February 12, 2024) for farm-based and home-produced food vendors. Benefits vendors selling eggs, meats, certain home-produced foods at farmers markets. Allows choice of mechanical or non-mechanical refrigeration, does not require commercial equipment. Separate from cottage food law but complementary.
Important Warnings & Notes
- ⚠️STRICTEST PET POLICY IN NATION: Absolutely no pets allowed in home at ANY time (even at night) - violation of Good Manufacturing Practices 21 CFR 117 Subpart B
- ⚠️Indoor pets classified as 'pests' under federal GMP regulations - home processors must maintain GMP compliance
- ⚠️Pet ownership disqualifies applicants from program - applies to all animals, not just traditional pets
- ⚠️NO formal cottage food law (no statutory protection) - operates administratively, program could technically be shut down
- ⚠️8-12 week application processing time - plan ahead
- ⚠️Must use main home kitchen ONLY (cannot use separate structure, garage, shed, outbuilding, basement, detached space)
- ⚠️Acidified foods require expensive $400 course + $150/product testing - significant investment
- ⚠️Private well water requires testing (negative for total coliform and E. coli within 1 year, NC State Laboratory or certified commercial lab)
- ⚠️Municipal water acceptable with recent water bill as proof
- ⚠️No license/permit issued - receive 'Notice of Inspection' as operating authorization
- ⚠️Must comply with local zoning (some municipalities may prohibit home-based food businesses)
- ⚠️Contact for questions: homeprocessing@ncagr.gov | (984) 236-4820
Research Sources
This information was compiled from the following sources (Last updated: 2025-10-06):
- •NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services - Food Program (Home Processor)
- •Application for Home Processor Inspection
- •Wake County Environmental Health - Home-Based Food Production Guidelines
- •NC State University - Online Acidified Foods Manufacturing School
- •Forrager.com - North Carolina
- •NC Cottage Food Guide - The Rules
- •Institute for Justice - North Carolina
- •Federal Code 21 CFR 117 Subpart B (Good Manufacturing Practices)
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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