Current Law Details
Tennessee Food Freedom Act (HB 813, 2022; amended HB 130, 2025) - one of the nation's most permissive laws. NO sales cap, NO licensing, NO inspections. Allows acidified and low-acid canned foods (only 3 states nationwide). Can hire full-time employees. Prohibits municipal interference. 2025 amendment adds poultry (1,000-bird exemption or inspected) and pasteurized dairy products. In-state shipping allowed for non-perishable items.
Registration & Training
📋Registration
- Required
- No
🎓Training
- Required
- No
Labeling Requirements
Required Statement
"This product was produced at a private residence that is exempt from state licensing and inspection."
Additional Label Elements
- ✓Producer's name
- ✓Home address (business address)
- ✓Phone number
- ✓Common name of the food (product name)
- ✓Net amount/weight
- ✓Date produced
- ✓List of ingredients in descending order of prominence
- ✓May contain allergens note
Allowed Sales Venues
Direct-to-consumer anywhere in Tennessee. Non-perishable products can be sold via retail stores. Perishable products cannot be sold wholesale. Online orders allowed with in-state shipping for non-perishable items. Perishable items cannot be shipped or sold remotely (in-person only). Cannot sell through restaurants.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Options
- In-State
- Allowed
- Out-of-State
- Not Allowed
Delivery Methods
- Commercial Carriers
- Allowed
- Third-Party Delivery
- Not Allowed
In-state shipping permitted for non-perishable items. Perishable products cannot be shipped or sold remotely - must be in-person sales only. All sales must be within Tennessee. No out-of-state shipping.
Allowed Foods
Acidified and low-acid canned foods allowed (extremely rare - only 3 states). Perishable foods allowed for in-person sales only. Poultry products allowed (1,000-bird exemption per 9 CFR 381.10(d) OR use federally/state-inspected poultry, max 75 lbs per transaction). Pasteurized dairy allowed in food products. Prohibited: unpasteurized milk, alcoholic beverages, fish, shellfish, raw meat (except poultry as specified).
Recent Legislative Updates
HB 813 - Tennessee Food Freedom Act
Effective: July 1, 2022
Completely replaced previous cottage food law. Eliminated sales caps entirely, removed licensing/permitting/inspection requirements, allowed full-time employee hiring, prohibited municipal interference, expanded allowed food categories dramatically including acidified and low-acid canned foods.
HB 130 / SB 484 - Time/Temperature Control Amendment
Effective: July 1, 2025
Added certain time/temperature controlled foods (TCS). Allowed poultry products under 1,000-bird exemption or with federal inspection. Allowed pasteurized dairy in food products. Maintained prohibition on unpasteurized milk, fish, shellfish, and raw meat.
Important Warnings & Notes
- ⚠️Perishable products: in-person sales only (no wholesale, no shipping)
- ⚠️Restaurant sales prohibited
- ⚠️Out-of-state sales prohibited
- ⚠️Poultry products require 1,000-bird exemption compliance OR use of inspected poultry
- ⚠️Municipal governments cannot impose additional regulations
Research Sources
This information was compiled from the following sources (Last updated: 2025-10-07):
- •Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-1-118
- •Tennessee Department of Agriculture - Food Freedom Act Page
- •University of Tennessee Extension Publication PB-1909
- •HB 813 (2022) - Capitol.tn.gov
- •HB 130 (2025) - Capitol.tn.gov
- •Forrager.com - Tennessee
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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