Registration
- Required
- No
Back to all regions
StateFood Freedom
Montana cottage food rules
Review sales limits, online sales, registration, labeling, venues, shipping, foods, and source notes for this jurisdiction.
Sales limit
None
Online sales
No
Registration
Not required
Training
Not required
Current law details
Start with the summary, then verify locally.
Food Freedom Act (SB 199, 2021) - Top 5 ranking nationally. Almost all foods allowed including perishables (refrigerated <41°F). Own poultry up to 1,000 birds/year. Small dairies can sell raw milk (5 cows / 10 goats/sheep with testing). No licenses, permits, inspections, or training required. SB 202 (2023) clarified farmers market rules. Online advertising allowed but online sales prohibited - in-state direct sales only.
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
"Consumer notification that products are homemade and not inspected/licensed (format flexible)"
- Product name
- Producer/business name
- Contact information
- Ingredient list (recommended)
- Allergen information (recommended)
- Net quantity (recommended)
- 'Keep refrigerated' for perishables
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
Not allowed
Restaurants
Not allowed
Online
Not allowed
Direct sales at farmers markets, roadside stands, home pickup, fairs/festivals, farm stands, community events (weddings, funerals, potlucks). NO retail stores, restaurants, or third-party resale. Can advertise online but cannot sell online.
Shipping and delivery
- In-state
- Not allowed
- Out-of-state
- Not allowed
- Commercial carriers
- Not allowed
- Third-party delivery
- Not allowed
NO online sales or shipping. All transactions must be direct, in-person, face-to-face between producer and informed consumer within Montana. Can advertise online but sales transaction must occur in person. Inspections only complaint-based (no routine oversight).
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
Limited
Meat products
Limited
Dairy products
Limited
ALMOST ALL FOODS: Baked goods (including perishables with refrigeration <41°F), candy, jams/jellies, pickled/acidified foods, canned goods (not pressure-canned), dried/freeze-dried foods, perishable items (<41°F), poultry (up to 1,000 birds/year with federal recordkeeping), raw milk/dairy (small dairies: 5 cows OR 10 goats/sheep with testing). PROHIBITED: Meat (except limited poultry), products requiring pressure canning, alcohol, cannabis, dietary supplements.
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
SB 202
Effective: 2023
Clarified that county commissioners cannot regulate MLFCA transactions at farmers markets, ensured uniform labeling requirements across all venues, prevented local governments from undermining state exemptions
SB 199 - Montana Local Food Choice Act
Effective: April 30, 2021
MAJOR REFORM: Replaced 2015 cottage food law with food freedom framework, eliminated sales caps, eliminated licensing/permits/inspections, expanded to almost all foods including perishables, poultry, and raw milk
Original cottage food law
Effective: 2015
Traditional cottage food law with typical restrictions
Important warnings
- NO online sales or shipping - in-person direct sales only (can advertise online)
- Must inform consumers products are homemade and not inspected/licensed
- Sales must be between producer and informed end consumer (no resale)
- Transactions must occur within Montana only (no interstate commerce)
- Perishables must be sold under refrigeration at <41°F
- Poultry exemption: Max 1,000 birds/year with federal recordkeeping
- Raw milk: Small dairies only (5 cows / 10 goats/sheep) with required testing every 6 months
- Pressure-canned foods not recommended due to botulism risk
Research sources
Sources used for this summary.
Last updated: 2026-05-07. Use these sources as a starting point for current verification.
- Montana Code Title 50, Chapter 49, Part 2 (MLFCA)
- Montana SB 199 (2021)
- Montana SB 202 (2023)
- Montana DPHHS - MLFCA Guidance (Oct 1, 2023)
- Institute for Justice - Baking Bad Report
- MSU Extension - SB199 Local Food Choice Act
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 Montana 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.