Arkansas cottage food laws
Rules change, so always confirm with the official Arkansas source.
The law: Arkansas Food Freedom Act, Act 1040 of 2021.
What you can sell
Homemade foods and drinks that do not require temperature control for safety, including shelf-stable baked goods.
What you can't sell
Meat, poultry, seafood, refrigerated custard/cream products and other temperature-controlled foods; low-acid canned foods need a separate permit.
Do you need a license or permit?
Eligible homemade non-TCS foods are exempt from ADH permitting and inspection; no cottage-food permit fee. An optional agriculture identification number can replace personal contact disclosures.
Sales limits
No sales cap confirmed in the agency guide; the guide does not state a dollar ceiling.
Where you can sell
In-person, telephone and internet sales, agents and retail third-party vendors are allowed, with delivery by producer, agent or carrier. Out-of-state sales require compliance with federal and destination requirements; products cannot be supplied as restaurant ingredients.
Label requirements
Disclose production date, producer name/address/telephone or authorized ID, product name and descending ingredients. Include: “This product was produced in a private residence that is exempt from state licensing and inspection. This product may contain allergens.” Online offers and packages require disclosures; bulk sales need container labeling and a written copy.
Good to know
Based on ADH’s May 21, 2026 guide; retailers must separate homemade foods from inspected foods. Some details on this page could not be fully confirmed from official sources, so check with the state agency before you sell.
Pricing your products
Knowing your real cost per item matters as much as following the law.
Try Oven Elf free →Source: https://healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Homemade-Food-Guide-5.21.2026-Update.pdf
General summary, not legal advice.
← All states