Pennsylvania Cottage Laws
Ready to turn your Pennsylvania home kitchen into a profitable food business? Here's some exciting news! Pennsylvania has one of the most generous cottage food systems in America – they allow MORE types of foods than most states, have NO sales limits, and let you sell anywhere including restaurants and across state lines!
How Pennsylvania is Different (And Better!)
No Specific Cottage Food Law
Pennsylvania doesn't have a traditional cottage food law like other states. Instead, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture simply allows “Limited Food Establishments” that meet specific guidelines.
More Generous Than Most States
- No sales limits (most states cap at $20,000-$75,000)
- Can sell across state lines (most states prohibit this)
- Can sell to restaurants and stores (most states don't allow this)
- More food types allowed (including some items banned elsewhere)
The Trade-Off
The application process is more detailed than some states, but once approved, you have incredible freedom to operate your business!
What Makes Pennsylvania Amazing for Home Bakers
🚫 No Sales Limits
Unlike most states that cap earnings at $20,000-$75,000, Pennsylvania has no income limit. Grow as big as you want!
🌎 Interstate Sales Allowed
You can sell across state lines – a huge advantage for online businesses.
🏪 Can Sell to Restaurants and Stores
Unlike most cottage food laws, you can wholesale to restaurants, cafes, and retail stores.
🥩 Unique Foods Allowed
Pennsylvania is the ONLY state that allows meat jerky to be produced from home!
📦 Mail Order and Online Sales
Full e-commerce capabilities with shipping allowed.
What You Can Make and Sell
✅ Traditional Baked Goods:
- Breads, bagels, biscuits, rolls
- Cakes, cookies, brownies, muffins
- Pies, tarts, scones, sweet breads
- Wedding cakes and custom decorated items
- Donuts, pizzelles, tortillas
✅ Confections and Sweets:
- Candy and chocolate-covered items
- Candied apples, marshmallows
- Caramel corn, kettle corn
- Granola and trail mix
- Fruit leathers
✅ Pantry Items:
- Dried fruits and vegetables
- Herbs, spices, seasonings
- Coffee beans, tea leaves
- Pasta noodles, cereals
- Nuts, seeds, crackers, pretzels
✅ Preserves and Condiments:
- Jams, jellies, fruit butters
- Honey and syrups
- Pickled vegetables and relishes
- Hot sauces, barbecue sauces
- Salsas (with proper pH testing)
✅ Unique Pennsylvania Allowances:
- Meat jerky (Pennsylvania is the ONLY state that allows this!)
- Acidified canned foods (with testing)
- Chocolate-covered fruits (pH 4.6 or below)
Key Rule: Must be non-potentially hazardous foods that don't require time/temperature control for safety.
❌ What You CANNOT Make:
- Fresh dairy products requiring refrigeration
- Fresh meat and poultry (except jerky)
- Foods requiring time/temperature control
- Items with cream cheese fillings or custard
- Raw or undercooked eggs
Your Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Download the Application Packet
- Get “Limited Food Establishment Application Packet” from PA.gov
- Review all requirements thoroughly
- This is more detailed than typical cottage food applications
Step 2: Complete the Detailed Application
Be prepared to provide:
- Business plan and product descriptions
- Complete ingredient lists and recipes
- Labeling examples for each product
- Number of employees and working hours
- Tax documentation and business information
- Floor plan/layout of your kitchen area
Step 3: Submit Application (At Least 60 Days Before Operating)
Submit via email (preferred): RA-AGPLANREVIEW@pa.gov Or mail to: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Bureau of Food Safety and Laboratory Services Attn: Plan Review 2301 N. Cameron St, Room 112 Harrisburg, PA 17110
Important: Do NOT send money with application!
Step 4: Wait for Plan Review (15 Business Days)
Pennsylvania will review and notify you of approval/disapproval.
Step 5: Home Inspection
If approved, an inspector will schedule an on-site inspection of your facility.
Inspection Requirements:
- Kitchen must be clean, sanitary, and well-maintained
- No pets allowed in food preparation areas EVER
- No children or other activities during food production
- If private well water, annual testing required
Step 6: Pay Registration Fee
- Initial registration: $35
- Annual renewal: $35
- Fee collected only AFTER passing inspection
Step 7: Start Your Business!
Once registered, you have incredible freedom to operate.
Kitchen and Safety Requirements
Kitchen Standards:
- Must be clean, healthful, and sanitary
- Standard home kitchen equipment acceptable
- Proper storage for ingredients and finished products
- Clean, potable water supply
Strict No-Pet Policy:
- Pets are NEVER allowed in food preparation areas
- This is strictly enforced during inspections
- Must maintain pet-free zones at all times
Water Testing:
- If you have a private well, annual testing required
- Additional cost for water testing
Product Testing:
Some items (especially canned foods and beverages) may require laboratory testing to verify safety.
Where You Can Sell (Pennsylvania's Big Advantage!)
Direct Sales:
- From your home
- Farmers markets and events
- Online with mail order/shipping
- Roadside stands and festivals
Wholesale Sales (Unique Advantage!):
- Restaurants and cafes
- Retail stores and grocery stores
- Coffee shops and bakeries
- Any commercial food establishment
Interstate Sales:
- Mail order across state lines
- Online sales nationwide
- Shipping to other states
This level of sales freedom is extremely rare among cottage food laws!
Labeling Requirements
Required on Every Product:
- Product name
- Your business name and address
- Complete ingredient list (descending order by weight)
- Net weight or volume
- Allergen warnings (if applicable)
- Required statement: “This product is homemade and is not prepared in an inspected food establishment” (minimum 10-point font)
Special Requirements:
- Interstate shipping: May need nutritional information
- Health claims: Must comply with FDA guidelines for claims like “gluten-free,” “low-fat,” etc.
- Certain products: May require additional testing documentation
Business Considerations
No Sales Limits = Huge Growth Potential
Unlike most states, you can grow your Pennsylvania cottage food business without hitting income caps. This makes it perfect for serious entrepreneurs.
Annual Renewal Required
- $35 annual renewal fee
- Renewal notices sent ~45 days before expiration
- Can renew online with business account
Record Keeping:
- Keep detailed production records
- Track ingredients and sources
- Maintain sales records for tax purposes
- Document any required testing results
Interstate Commerce Benefits:
- Can build national customer base
- E-commerce opportunities unlimited
- Mail-order business potential
- Wholesale to out-of-state businesses
FDA Registration for Interstate Sales
If you plan to sell across state lines extensively, you may need to register with the FDA. This is an additional federal requirement for interstate commerce.
Success Tips for Pennsylvania Food Entrepreneurs
Application Success:
- Submit application at least 60 days before you want to operate
- Provide ALL requested information to avoid delays
- Be thorough in your business plan and product descriptions
- Have professional labeling examples ready
Business Growth:
- Start local and build reputation
- Leverage Pennsylvania's unique wholesale opportunities
- Take advantage of interstate sales permissions
- Consider the meat jerky opportunity (unique to PA!)
Operational Excellence:
- Maintain impeccable kitchen standards
- Keep detailed records of everything
- Stay current with annual renewals
- Build relationships with wholesale customers
Common Questions Answered
Q: Is this more complicated than other states?
A: The application process is more detailed, but once approved, you have MORE freedom than most cottage food laws allow.
Q: Can I really sell to restaurants?
A: Yes! This is one of Pennsylvania's unique advantages – you can wholesale to restaurants and food establishments.
Q: What about the meat jerky – is that really allowed?
A: Yes, Pennsylvania is the only state that allows home-produced meat jerky under cottage food-type regulations.
Q: Are there really no sales limits?
A: Correct! Unlike most states that cap earnings, Pennsylvania allows unlimited sales growth.
Q: How long does the approval process take?
A: Plan review takes 15 business days, then you schedule inspection. Total time is typically 3-8 weeks if you submit complete applications.
Resources and Support
Official Contacts:
- Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: 717-787-4315
- Plan Review Email: RA-AGPLANREVIEW@pa.gov
- Program Specialists:
- Suzanne Pyle: 717-666-2568
- Robert Hein: 717-787-5107
Additional Resources:
- Penn State Food Entrepreneurs: Business guidance articles
- PA.gov food safety information
- FDA resources for interstate commerce
Business Development:
- Pennsylvania small business development centers
- Local farmers market associations
- Food entrepreneur networking groups
Bottom Line
Pennsylvania offers one of the most business-friendly cottage food systems in America! While the application process requires more upfront work than some states, the benefits are incredible:
- No sales limits means unlimited growth potential
- Interstate sales open national markets
- Wholesale opportunities with restaurants and stores
- Unique products like meat jerky allowed
- Complete e-commerce and mail-order freedom
For serious food entrepreneurs who want to build substantial businesses from home, Pennsylvania's “Limited Food Establishment” system provides a legal framework that most cottage food laws can't match.
The investment in a detailed application and $35 annual fee pays off with business freedoms that can generate unlimited income!
Ready to Start Your Pennsylvania Food Business?
With no sales limits, interstate commerce rights, and wholesale opportunities, Pennsylvania offers cottage food entrepreneurs freedoms that most states don't allow. It's worth the extra application effort to unlock this incredible business potential!
Your Next Steps:
- ✓ Download the Limited Food Establishment Application Packet
- ✓ Develop your business plan and product list
- ✓ Prepare detailed application with all required information
- ✓ Submit application at least 60 days before desired start date
- ✓ Pass kitchen inspection and start your unlimited-potential business!
Key Contacts:
- Plan Review: RA-AGPLANREVIEW@pa.gov
- General Info: 717-787-4315
- Application packets: PA.gov
This guide provides general information about Pennsylvania cottage food laws as of 2025. Always verify current requirements with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and consult professionals for specific legal or tax questions.
