Alabama cottage food laws
Last updated October 26, 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with the official Alabama source.
The law: Alabama Cottage Food Law, Alabama Code 22-20-5.1.
What you can sell
Shelf-stable cakes, cookies, breads, pies, candies, jams, dried mixes and approved acidic preserved produce.
What you can't sell
Foods needing refrigeration for safety and meat, poultry or fish.
Do you need a license or permit?
Complete approved food safety training and submit a review form, certificate and sample labels to the county health department; review fees vary by county. No food-service permit or routine kitchen inspection is required.
Sales limits
No annual sales cap.
Where you can sell
Direct consumers in Alabama only, including online or phone orders, markets and home sales; delivery by producer, agent or mail is allowed. No interstate sales or restaurant resale.
Label requirements
In at least 10-point type give product name, business name, home or PO box address, ingredients in descending order, a statement that the food is not inspected by the Health Department and an allergen disclaimer.
Good to know
County review is still required despite the permit exemption.
Pricing your products
Knowing your real cost per item matters as much as following the law.
Try Oven Elf free →Source: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/foodsafety/cottage-food.html
General summary, not legal advice.
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