Tennessee cottage food laws
Rules change, so always confirm with the official Tennessee source.
The law: Tennessee Food Freedom Act, T.C.A. § 53-1-118 (amended July 1, 2025).
What you can sell
Shelf-stable homemade baked goods and other non-temperature-controlled foods are allowed, along with many refrigerated foods such as dairy or egg desserts under the stricter direct-sale rules. Certain poultry products qualify only under specified federal exemptions.
What you can't sell
Temperature-controlled products cannot contain unpasteurized milk, alcohol, fish, shellfish, meat, meat byproducts or meat food products; poultry has limited federal-law exceptions.
Do you need a license or permit?
No state food license, permit, inspection or associated food-permit fee is required under this exemption. Tax obligations still apply.
Sales limits
No dollar sales cap is specified; sales must be within Tennessee.
Where you can sell
Shelf-stable foods may be sold in person or online, through agents or retail shops, and delivered by carriers within Tennessee. Temperature-controlled foods must be sold in person by the producer or an agent; the exemption does not authorize interstate sales.
Label requirements
Provide producer name, home address and phone, product name, ingredients in descending order, and: “This product was produced at a private residence that is exempt from state licensing and inspection. This product may contain allergens.” Use the package or bulk-container label, point-of-sale placard, or webpage for internet-only sales; telephone/custom orders require oral disclosure with identifying information and ingredients available on request.
Good to know
The 2025 amendment expanded the law beyond shelf-stable foods; do not rely on older summaries. October 2026 status has not been independently established. 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.tn.gov/agriculture/consumers/food-safety/tennessee-food-freedom-act.html
General summary, not legal advice.
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