Alaska Cottage Food Label Requirements

The required label statement

This food was made in a home kitchen, is not regulated or inspected, except for meat and meat products, and may contain allergens.

Exact sentence prescribed by AS 17.20.332(e)(2), in quotation marks in the statute — print it verbatim. The label must be "clearly and prominently" applied (AS 17.20.332(e)); no point size, font, colour or panel is fixed. Applies to homemade food "packaged for individual sale"; for unpackaged food the seller gives the same information orally/in writing before the sale instead (AS 17.20.332(g)).

What must be on your label

• The producer's name (AS 17.20.332(e)(1))
• The producer's current address (AS 17.20.332(e)(1)) — DEC FAQ: need not be the physical home address; a mailing address or P.O. Box is acceptable if it is the producer's current address
• The producer's telephone number (AS 17.20.332(e)(1))
• The producer's business license number, if applicable (AS 17.20.332(e)(1)) — most sellers need an Alaska business licence under AS 43.70.020 (DEC FAQ)
• The statement "This food was made in a home kitchen, is not regulated or inspected, except for meat and meat products, and may contain allergens." (AS 17.20.332(e)(2))
• Label must be clear and prominent; applies to food packaged for individual sale (AS 17.20.332(e))
• Unpackaged food: before the sale, inform the buyer the food was prepared under AS 17.20.332–17.20.338 and is not subject to certain state certification, labeling, licensing, packaging, regulation or inspection requirements, and give the producer's name, current address, telephone number and business license number if applicable (AS 17.20.332(g))
• Point of sale: a retail space selling homemade food must prominently display a sign that the food was made in a home kitchen, may contain allergens, and is not (except permitted meat) regulated or inspected; online listings must carry the sign text and consumer statements (AS 17.20.332(d); DEC)
• No state requirement for product name, ingredient list or net quantity — the state exempts homemade food from state labeling rules (AS 17.20.332(a)); federal and local labeling rules still apply (AS 17.20.336(2)(A); DEC)

Example: an Alaska label for a bag of butter cookies

An illustrative worksheet with the lines Alaska requires, and placeholders for your own details. It is not an approved product label or a tested recipe. Replace the ingredients and the measured package quantity with your actual product information.

The example ingredient order follows the input weights in our butter-cookie recipe. It does not establish the weight of a finished bag. Any additions or supplier sub-ingredients must be reflected in your own label. The statement's size on this web page is not a print-size check; compare the printed label with the rule above.

Before you print

1. Match every ingredient and sub-ingredient to your actual recipe and supplier labels.
2. Check the allergen declaration, the filled package's net quantity, and producer details.
3. Include the Alaska statement and check its size on the final printed label.
4. Review the whole package, including any required information placed outside the Nutrition Facts panel.

Alaska cottage food label questions

Does an Alaska cottage food label need a home-kitchen statement?

Yes. The label must say "This food was made in a home kitchen, is not regulated or inspected, except for meat and meat products, and may contain allergens.". Exact sentence prescribed by AS 17.20.332(e)(2), in quotation marks in the statute — print it verbatim. The label must be "clearly and prominently" applied (AS 17.20.332(e)); no point size, font, colour or panel is fixed. Applies to homemade food "packaged for individual sale"; for unpackaged food the seller gives the same information orally/in writing before the sale instead (AS 17.20.332(g)).

Do I need a license or registration to sell cottage food in Alaska?

No. No state registration, permit, approval, inspection or fee — DEC does not issue any document for exempt homemade food (DEC FAQ). A state business licence (AS 43.70.020) and local city/borough requirements (vendor permits, zoning, taxes) may apply; the Municipality of Anchorage and military installations have their own rules.

Is there a sales limit for Alaska cottage food?

No annual cap is set: none — DEC: "The law also does not limit gross annual sales amounts"; the former $25,000 cottage-food cap under 18 AAC 31.012 no longer applies to food sold under AS 17.20.332.

Where can I sell cottage food in Alaska?

Alaska only, for the buyer's personal consumption; sale at a farmers' market, agricultural fair, farm, ranch, the producer's home or office, a third-party seller's retail location, or any location agreed with the buyer (AS 17.20.332(b)). Online sales allowed with pick-up, mail or delivery within Alaska. No interstate commerce, no wholesale/resale/consignment. Potentially hazardous food and anything containing meat or poultry must be sold by the producer; non-PHF food may be sold by an agent or third-party retailer, displayed separately from inspected food.

Does an Alaska cottage food label need a Nutrition Facts panel?

Not by state cottage-food law unless a nutrient content or health claim is made; the federal small-business exemption usually applies. If you choose to print a panel, it has to be complete and correctly formatted.