Why this matters
What Louisiana actually allows — and what it doesn't.
Louisiana permits cottage food sales under La. R.S. 40:4.9 (Act 542, 2013; amended 2014, 2022 HB 828). Annual sales are capped at $30,000. Registration with a state agency is required before you can sell.
Annual revenue cap
$30,000 a year.
Annual gross cap
$30,000
Sales channels
Where you can sell in Louisiana — and where you can't.
Online ordering
YesYesShipping
NoFederal restriction on uninspected food crossing state lines.
Seller delivery
YesYesThird-party delivery (DoorDash, Uber Eats)
ConditionalConditionalInterstate sales
NoNoWholesale to retail stores
NoNoRegistration & permits
Louisiana requires registration before you sell.
- Registration
Required
Type: local health district plus tax
- Timeline
About 14 days
- Labeling standard
Standard
- Inspection
None
- Food safety certification
Not required
- Address privacy
Not available
Prohibited categories
What you can't sell under cottage food rules.
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Dairy
- Low Acid Canned Foods
- Fermented Foods
- Beverages
- Garlic In Oil
- Cannabis Cbd
- Cut Produce
How to start
Steps to a legal first sale in Louisiana.
Confirm your products qualify
Verify your menu fits Louisiana's cottage food rules. Most states restrict temperature-controlled, meat, seafood, and low-acid canned items; check the prohibited-foods list above.
Register with your state agency
Louisiana requires cottage food operators to register before selling. Registration is free. Expect about 14 days for processing.
Label every product correctly
Every label must include your name (or registered ID), product name, ingredients, and allergens per Louisiana rules.
Start taking orders
Louisiana allows online orders, seller delivery. Route orders through your own channels.