Registration
- Required
- No
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StateFood Freedom
Arkansas cottage food rules
Review sales limits, online sales, registration, labeling, venues, shipping, foods, and source notes for this jurisdiction.
Sales limit
None
Online sales
Yes
Registration
Not required
Training
Not required
Current law details
Start with the summary, then verify locally.
Food Freedom Act (SB 248/Act 1040, effective July 28, 2021) replaced cottage food law. One of most permissive laws nationally. Interstate sales explicitly allowed WITH federal compliance. State preempts local health restrictions (local business permits may still apply). Only non-TCS foods allowed.
Setup requirements
Registration, training, and labeling details.
These are the common operating requirements sellers check before launching or changing sales channels.
Training
- Required
- No
Labeling
"This product was produced in a private residence that is exempt from state licensing and inspection"
- Business name
- Business address
- Phone number
- Complete ingredients list (descending order)
- Production date or batch number
- Allergen information
Sales channels
Allowed venues and fulfillment methods.
Confirm how customers are allowed to buy, receive, or pick up products before opening a sales channel.
Sales venues
Home sales
Allowed
Farmers markets
Allowed
Roadside stands
Allowed
Events
Allowed
Retail stores
Limited
Restaurants
Not allowed
Online
Allowed
Direct-to-consumer sales. Informed consumer requirement may limit practical retail sales despite legal allowance. Third-party vendors allowed but must meet disclosure requirements.
Shipping and delivery
- In-state
- Allowed
- Out-of-state
- Allowed
- Commercial carriers
- Allowed
- Third-party delivery
- Allowed
Arkansas uniquely allows interstate sales IF seller complies with federal laws and destination state regulations. In-state: mail order, third-party carriers, delivery by producer or designated agent all allowed.
Product categories
Allowed food categories.
Allowed and limited categories are only a planning aid. Check official guidance before selling a specific recipe.
Baked goods
Allowed
Candy and confections
Allowed
Jams and jellies
Allowed
Acidified foods
Limited
Canned goods
Not allowed
Dried goods
Allowed
Perishables
Not allowed
Meat products
Not allowed
Dairy products
Not allowed
Only non-TCS (non-time/temperature control for safety) foods. Acidified products with pH ≤4.6 allowed with testing and batch records. Sugar substitutes NOT allowed. NO dairy (milk, cheese, butter, yogurt), meat/poultry/seafood, fresh-cut produce, cream-filled baked goods, or low-acid canned foods.
Updates and cautions
Check these notes before making changes.
Recent updates and warnings are included to help you spot issues that may need extra verification.
Recent legislative updates
Act 1040 (SB 248) - Food Freedom Act
Effective: July 28, 2021
Replaced cottage food law with food freedom law. Removed all sales limits, eliminated permit requirements, allowed online sales and interstate commerce (with federal compliance)
Act 698
Effective: April 16, 2025
Expanded raw milk sales (separate from Food Freedom Act) - removed 500-gallon limit, allowed sales in natural food stores
Important warnings
- Interstate sales require federal compliance and destination state law compliance
- Acidified foods (pH ≤4.6) require testing and batch record keeping
- Informed consumer disclosure required (label, separate document, or placard)
- No liability protection - consider food liability insurance
- Dairy products excluded from Food Freedom Act (now covered by separate Act 698 for raw milk)
Research sources
Sources used for this summary.
Last updated: 2026-05-07. Use these sources as a starting point for current verification.
- Arkansas Code Title 20, Chapter 57, Subchapter 5
- University of Arkansas Extension
- Arkansas Department of Health
- Forrager.com - Arkansas
Important legal disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Cottage food rules change frequently and vary by local jurisdiction. Always verify current regulations with your state and local health departments before starting your business.
Next step
Turn Arkansas rules into a clear ordering experience.
Use Cottage CMS to publish products, pickup windows, forms, disclosures, and order workflows after you verify the current local requirements.