Indiana Cottage Food Label Requirements

The required label statement

This product is home produced and processed and the production area has not been inspected by the Indiana Department of Health. NOT FOR RESALE.

IC 16-42-5.3-5(a)(6): the statement above "in at least 10 point type"; "NOT FOR RESALE." is in capitals in the statute. No contrast or placement rule. The IDOH Home Based Vendor Handbook prints a slightly older variant ("…inspected by the State Department of Health.") — the statutory wording controls. Homestead vendors / small farms under IC 16-42-5.4 use a DIFFERENT sentence (see notes).

What must be on your label

• Name and address of the producer of the food product (IC 16-42-5.3-5(a)(1))
• Common or usual name of the food product (§5(a)(2))
• Ingredients in descending order by predominance by weight (§5(a)(3))
• Net weight or volume by standard measure or numerical count (§5(a)(4))
• The date on which the food product was processed (§5(a)(5)) — on every label
• The statement in at least 10 point type: "This product is home produced and processed and the production area has not been inspected by the Indiana Department of Health. NOT FOR RESALE." (§5(a)(6))
• Unpackaged food: the same information on a sign instead of a label (§5(a))
• The label of each food product must also be posted on the vendor's website (§5(b))
• Allergens: not listed in IC 16-42-5.3-5; federal allergen labeling still applies to packaged food (the IDOH handbook sample label omits it)
• Shipped or delivered products: sealed package that reveals tampering (IC 16-42-5.3-6(b)(1))

Example: an Indiana label for a bag of butter cookies

An illustrative worksheet with the lines Indiana 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 Indiana 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.

Indiana cottage food label questions

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

Yes. The label must say "This product is home produced and processed and the production area has not been inspected by the Indiana Department of Health. NOT FOR RESALE." in at least 10-point type. IC 16-42-5.3-5(a)(6): the statement above "in at least 10 point type"; "NOT FOR RESALE." is in capitals in the statute. No contrast or placement rule. The IDOH Home Based Vendor Handbook prints a slightly older variant ("…inspected by the State Department of Health.") — the statutory wording controls. Homestead vendors / small farms under IC 16-42-5.4 use a DIFFERENT sentence (see notes).

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

No. No registration, license, permit or routine inspection (IC 16-42-5.3-3, -8, -12). Every home based vendor must hold a food handler certificate from an ANSI-accredited issuer, give a copy to the local health department of the county of residence and show it to IDOH or a consumer on request (IC 16-42-5.3-7). Food must be non-potentially-hazardous, made at the primary residence with sanitary procedures (§4). IDOH may sample/inspect on complaint, misbranding or adulteration (§8).

Is there a sales limit for Indiana cottage food?

No annual cap is set: none — IC 16-42-5.3 sets no cap; the IDOH May 26, 2026 guidance states "No annual gross income restrictions" for home based vendors (the separate homestead-vendor / small-farm path under IC 16-42-5.4 is capped at $1,500,000 gross sales per year).

Where can I sell cottage food in Indiana?

Sold in person, by telephone or through the Internet, and delivered to the end consumer in person, by mail or by a third-party carrier (IC 16-42-5.3-4(5)-(6)); farmers markets, roadside stands and events. No shipping or delivery to consumers outside Indiana (§6(a)); keep each delivery address on record for one year (§6(b)). Not for resale.

Does an Indiana cottage food label need a date?

Yes. Indiana prints the date processed on every package, so the label changes with each batch.

Does an Indiana 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.