Pennsylvania cottage food laws
Rules change, so always confirm with the official Pennsylvania source.
The law: Pennsylvania Limited Food Establishment Registration
What you can sell
Approved nonhazardous shelf-stable baked goods without cream fillings, jams, jellies, candies and snack mixes. Some products require testing or process review.
What you can't sell
Foods requiring refrigeration or hot holding are not covered.
Do you need a license or permit?
Register with PDA and undergo initial and routine inspection. Initial registration and annual renewal each cost $35.
Sales limits
No dollar cap is stated in the agency guidance.
Where you can sell
Direct, internet and wholesale operations may be registered; an additional retail license may be needed at events or farmers markets. Interstate sales may require FDA registration and compliance with destination rules; confirm shipping details with PDA.
Label requirements
Use applicable packaged-food labeling, including product identity, ingredients/allergens, net quantity and business name/address. No cottage-specific disclaimer was confirmed from the reviewed agency page.
Good to know
Submit the application before operating; local health jurisdictions can affect licensing. This is an inspected registration program, not an unregulated cottage exemption. 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://www.pa.gov/services/pda/apply-for-or-renew-a-limited-food-establishment-registration
General summary, not legal advice.
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