Why this matters
What Illinois actually allows — and what it doesn't.
410 ILCS 625 (Home-to-Market Act, 2022 amendment of Illinois Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act)
Annual revenue cap
Illinois 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 product was produced in a home kitchen not inspected by a health department that may also process common food allergens. If you have safety concerns, contact your local health department.
— 410 ILCS 625 (Home-to-Market Act / Illinois Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act)
Sales channels
Where you can sell in Illinois — and where you can't.
Online ordering
YesYesShipping
YesYesSeller delivery
YesYesThird-party delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats)
NoNoInterstate sales
NoNoWholesale to retail stores
NoNoRegistration & permits
Illinois requires registration before you sell.
- Registration
Required
Type: registration
- Registration cost
$50
- Timeline
About 28 days
- Labeling standard
Standard
- Inspection
None
- Food safety certification
Required
Type: cfpm
- Address privacy
Available
Via registration id
Food categories
What usually sits outside this cottage food lane.
- Tcs
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Pumpkin Pies
- Custard Pies
- Cheesecakes
- Cream Pies
- Garlic In Oil
- Low Acid Canned Goods
- Sprouts
- Cut Leafy Greens
- Cut Produce
- Wild Mushrooms
- Kombucha
How to start
Steps to a legal first sale in Illinois.
Confirm your products qualify
Compare your menu against Illinois'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.
Register with your state agency
Illinois requires cottage food operators to register before selling. Registration cost is $50. Expect about 28 days for processing.
Illinois registration portalComplete food safety certification
Illinois requires food safety training before you can sell cottage food. Type: cfpm.
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
Illinois allows online orders, in-state shipping, seller delivery. Route orders through your own channels — third-party couriers are not permitted here.
Frequently asked
Illinois cottage food — your questions answered.
What certification do I need to sell cottage food in Illinois?
Illinois requires all cottage food operators to complete an ANSI-accredited Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) course and exam before you register. Certification is valid 5 years and costs roughly $100–$200. This is more demanding than most states' food handler requirements.
How do I register and how much does it cost?
Registration is annual with your local county health department under 410 ILCS 625 (the Home-to-Market Act, a 2022 amendment). The fee is capped at $50 by statute (counties may charge less). Expect about 4 weeks for processing.
Is there a revenue cap?
No. Illinois imposes no sales cap on cottage food.
Can I ship my products?
In-state only, and only for non-perishable foods with tamper-evident packaging. Online sales and delivery are allowed within Illinois. Interstate is prohibited as federal jurisdiction. Third-party delivery services aren't explicitly addressed, but the statute says sales must be by "owner, family member, or employee" — which creates ambiguity around DoorDash-style couriers.
Why don't I need to put my home address on the label?
Illinois protects address privacy by default. Labels carry your registration number plus the name of the municipality or county where you registered — not your full home address. This is unusually protective compared to most states.
Illinois cottage food laws: what is the short version?
Illinois requires registration before selling cottage food. The listed cost is $50. There is no state revenue cap in the current data. Illinois allows online orders, in-state shipping, seller delivery for cottage food sellers in the current data.
Do I need a cottage food registration in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois requires registration before selling cottage food. The listed cost is $50. Check the official state source before selling because local zoning, food safety training, or label rules may still apply.
What foods can I sell from home in Illinois?
Illinois'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.