Alabama Cottage Food Label Requirements

The required label statement

Products are not inspected by the Health Department

The statute does not fix an exact sentence: §22-20-5.1(e) requires "a statement that the food is not inspected by the department or local health department" in at least 10-point font. ADPH's Review Form for Cottage Foods Producer (rev. 6/7/24) gives the model wording "Products are not inspected by the Health Department" — use that wording; any sentence saying the food is not inspected by the Alabama Department of Public Health or the local (county) health department satisfies the statute. The whole label (every item) must be at least 10-point font.

What must be on your label

• The common or usual name of the food (§22-20-5.1(e); Rule 420-3-22-.01(4)(a)14(iii)d.1)
• The name of the cottage food production operation (§22-20-5.1(e))
• The home or P.O. Box address of the cottage food production operation (§22-20-5.1(e); Rule 420-3-22-.01(4)(a)14(iii)d.2)
• A statement that the food is not inspected by the department or local health department (§22-20-5.1(e)); ADPH model wording: "Products are not inspected by the Health Department"
• A list of the ingredients in the food in descending order of predominance (§22-20-5.1(e))
• A disclaimer that the food may contain allergens (§22-20-5.1(e)) — ADPH gives no fixed wording; a sentence such as "This product may contain allergens" or a federal-style "Contains:" statement satisfies it
• Every item above in at least 10-point font (§22-20-5.1(e))
• All products offered for sale must be labeled; a QR code cannot replace the contact information or ingredient list (ADPH cottage food page)
• Pickles/salsa: pH verification, freeze-dried foods: water-activity verification from a processing authority before sale (ADPH page / review form) — not a label item but a prerequisite

Example: an Alabama label for a bag of butter cookies

An illustrative worksheet with the lines Alabama 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 Alabama 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.

Alabama cottage food label questions

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

Yes. The label must say "Products are not inspected by the Health Department" in at least 10-point type. The statute does not fix an exact sentence: §22-20-5.1(e) requires "a statement that the food is not inspected by the department or local health department" in at least 10-point font. ADPH's Review Form for Cottage Foods Producer (rev. 6/7/24) gives the model wording "Products are not inspected by the Health Department" — use that wording; any sentence saying the food is not inspected by the Alabama Department of Public Health or the local (county) health department satisfies the statute. The whole label (every item) must be at least 10-point font.

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

Yes. No permit, licence or home inspection (§22-20-5.1(b)-(c)). The operator must complete an ADPH-approved food safety course (Alabama Cooperative Extension cottage food course or any ANSI-accredited food safety course), keep the certificate current (retake the course when it expires), and submit the Review Form for Cottage Foods Producer with a copy of the certificate and a sample label to the local county health department, which reviews the paperwork only. Fees vary by county (ADPH cottage food page).

Is there a sales limit for Alabama cottage food?

No annual cap is set: none — Act 2021-461 (SB160) struck the former $20,000 annual gross-income cap from §22-20-5.1(a)(2); ADPH confirms "the annual income limit has been removed".

Where can I sell cottage food in Alabama?

Direct to consumers only, within Alabama — in person, by phone or online; delivery in person, through an agent of the producer, or by mail within the state (§22-20-5.1(a)(2)b-c). No sales to restaurants, retail stores on consignment, or from permitted establishments/mobile units; sales from unpermitted venues (van, cart, booth, storefront) are allowed if the food is made at home and sold directly (ADPH). Farmers' market sales fall under the Farmers Market Authority. No interstate sales.

Does an Alabama 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.