Why this matters
What Alabama actually allows — and what it doesn't.
Alabama permits cottage food sales under Alabama Code § 22-20-5.1 (Act 2014-180, amended by Act 2021-456). The statute sets no revenue cap on cottage food sales. No state registration is required; optional ID programs may be available for label privacy.
Annual revenue cap
Alabama sets no cap on cottage food revenue.
Annual gross cap
Unlimited
Required label language
Every package carries a statutory disclaimer.
The disclaimer below must appear on every package, in the exact casing the statute specifies:
Required on every label
This food is not inspected by the department or local health department
— Alabama Code § 22-20-5.1 (Act 2014-180, amended by Act 2021-456)
Sales channels
Where you can sell in Alabama — and where you can't.
Online ordering
YesYesShipping
YesYesSeller delivery
YesYesThird-party delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats)
YesYesInterstate sales
NoNoWholesale to retail stores
NoNoRegistration & permits
Alabama does not require state registration.
- Registration
Not required
Type: county notification
- Registration cost
$50
- Timeline
About 14 days
- Labeling standard
Standard
- Inspection
None
- Food safety certification
Required
Type: ansi accredited
- Address privacy
Available
Via P.O. Box allowed per statute
Food categories
What usually sits outside this cottage food lane.
- Tcs
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Dairy
- Custard Pies
- Cream Cheese Fillings
- Garlic In Oil
- Kombucha
- Beverages
- Raw Cookie Dough
How to start
Steps to a legal first sale in Alabama.
Confirm your products qualify
Compare your menu against Alabama's cottage food lane. Temperature-controlled, meat, seafood, and low-acid canned items often require a different path; check the state-specific food categories above.
Optional: register for address privacy
Alabama does not require registration, but offers an optional ID that replaces your home address on labels.
Agency pageComplete food safety certification
Alabama requires food safety training before you can sell cottage food. Type: ansi accredited.
Label every product correctly
Every label must include your name (or registered ID), product name, ingredients, allergens, and the statute-required disclaimer verbatim.
Start taking orders
Alabama allows online orders, in-state shipping, seller delivery. Route orders through your own channels.
Frequently asked
Alabama cottage food — your questions answered.
Do I need to register to sell cottage food in Alabama?
Yes, but at the county level, not the state. You submit proof of food safety training, sample labels, and a product list to your local county health department. Fees typically run $50–$75 for initial registration. No state-level permit is needed under Alabama Code § 22-20-5.1.
Is there a revenue cap?
No. Alabama removed the old $20,000 cap in 2021 when SB 160 (Act 2021-456) took effect. Sales are now unlimited, and online and in-state shipping were authorized at the same time.
Do I need food safety training?
Yes. Alabama requires an ANSI-accredited food safety course before you can register. Common options include the ACES Cottage Food Course ($25) or Learn2Serve ($7). You must maintain current certification.
Can I ship my products?
Yes, within Alabama, via USPS or commercial carriers. You can also deliver in person or hire an agent to deliver for you — § 22-20-5.1(a)(2)(c) explicitly permits all three. Interstate shipping is not allowed.
What labels do I need?
Product name, operation name, your home or P.O. Box address, ingredients in descending order, net weight, and this disclaimer: "This food is not inspected by the department or local health department." All text must be at least 10-point font.
Alabama cottage food laws: what is the short version?
Alabama does not require state registration for the cottage food lane. There is no state revenue cap in the current data. Alabama allows online orders, in-state shipping, seller delivery for cottage food sellers in the current data.
Do I need a cottage food county notification in Alabama?
Not for the cottage food lane in the current data. Alabama may still have label, food-category, local zoning, or other business rules, so check the official source before you sell.
What foods can I sell from home in Alabama?
Alabama's cottage food lane is mainly for foods that do not need time or temperature control for safety. Common no-go categories include tcs, meat, poultry, fish, shellfish.