Registration
- Required
- Yes
- Type
- registration
- Cost
- $50 annually (both processor types)
- Inspection
- No
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StateModerate
Kentucky cottage food rules
Review sales limits, online sales, registration, labeling, venues, shipping, foods, and source notes for this jurisdiction.
Sales limit
$60,000
Online sales
Conditional
Registration
Required
Training
Not required
Current law details
Start with the summary, then verify locally.
Dual system: (1) Home-Based Processors - no growing required, $50/year, online orders with pickup/delivery only, NO shipping; (2) Home-Based Microprocessors - must grow predominant ingredient, $50 workshop + $5/recipe approval, inspection every 4 years, only 3 sales locations (farm/KY farmers market/certified roadside stand). NO shipping for either type. Pet food allowed with separate UK registration. HB 678, introduced in 2026, would add whole or ground roasted coffee beans to the home-based processor definition but has not passed.
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
"These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection"
- Product name
- Business name and address or MDA registration number
- Ingredients list (descending order by weight)
- Allergen information
- Net weight or volume
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
Limited
Retail stores
Not allowed
Restaurants
Not allowed
Online
Not allowed
Processors: any market/stand/event. Microprocessors ONLY 3 locations: their farm, KY-registered farmers markets, or certified roadside stands (KY Farm Bureau). Processors can accept online orders but only for pickup/delivery. NO shipping for either type.
Shipping and delivery
- In-state
- Not allowed
- Out-of-state
- Not allowed
- Commercial carriers
- Not allowed
- Third-party delivery
- Not allowed
NO shipping allowed. Processors can accept online orders but must fulfill via pickup or personal delivery. Microprocessors cannot sell online at all.
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
Limited
Dried goods
Allowed
Perishables
Not allowed
Meat products
Not allowed
Dairy products
Not allowed
Processors: baked goods, fruit jams/jellies/preserves, candies, dried fruits/vegetables, herbs, spices, granola, trail mix, popcorn, honey, pet treats (separate registration). Microprocessors only: canned tomatoes, pickles, salsa, BBQ sauce, pepper/herb jellies, vinegars, acidified foods (pH ≤ 4.6, approved recipes only, no pressure-canned) - must grow predominant ingredient and use approved cookbook recipes only.
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
HB 678
Effective: Pending
Pending bill that would add whole or ground roasted coffee beans to the definition of home-based processor. Introduced February 2026 and referred to House Agriculture.
HB 263
Effective: July 14, 2018
Created Home-Based Processor category for non-farmers, expanded beyond farmers-only restriction, added online ordering provision (pickup/delivery only)
HB 468
Effective: March 27, 2019
Minor technical amendments to cottage food law framework
Important warnings
- Microprocessors must grow the predominant ingredient in all products
- Microprocessors can ONLY use recipes from 4 approved cookbooks - no custom recipes
- Microprocessors limited to 3 sales locations: farm, KY-registered farmers market, certified roadside stand
- NO shipping allowed for any cottage food products - in-person delivery required
- Online ordering allowed for processors but fulfillment must be pickup or personal delivery
- Pet food requires separate registration through UK Division of Regulatory Services
Research sources
Sources used for this summary.
Last updated: 2026-05-07. Use these sources as a starting point for current verification.
- KRS 217.136 - Home-based food processors
- KRS 217.137 - Administrative regulations for microprocessors
- 902 KAR 45:090 - Microprocessor regulations
- University of Kentucky Extension - Homebased Processing
- Kentucky HB 678 (2026)
- Forrager.com - Kentucky
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 Kentucky 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.