Kentucky Cottage Food Label Requirements

The required label statement

This product is home-produced and processed

The statement must appear in ten (10) point type (KRS 217.136(3)(e)). The statute quotes the sentence without a final period; the Food Safety Branch's labeling guide and 'Summary of Updates' print it with a period and ask for at least 10-point type in clear contrast to the background. No placement rule — anywhere on the label.

What must be on your label

• The name and address of the home-based processing operation (KRS 217.136(3)(a)); the Food Safety Branch asks for the full street address, city, state and ZIP
• The common or usual name of the food or cosmetic product (KRS 217.136(3)(b))
• The ingredients of the food or cosmetic product, in descending order of predominance by weight (KRS 217.136(3)(c))
• The net weight and volume of the food or cosmetic product by standard measure, or numerical count (KRS 217.136(3)(d))
• The statement "This product is home-produced and processed" in ten (10) point type (KRS 217.136(3)(e))
• The date the product was processed — on every label, not only perishable items (KRS 217.136(3)(f))
• Allergen information as specified by 21 U.S.C. 343(w): in the ingredient list or a "Contains:" statement; tree nuts named specifically (902 KAR 45:090; CHFS labeling guide)
• Nutrition labeling per federal rules only if a nutrient-content or health claim is made (CHFS labeling guide)
• A product not labeled in accordance with KRS 217.136(3) is deemed misbranded (KRS 217.136(4))

Example: a Kentucky label for a bag of butter cookies

An illustrative worksheet with the lines Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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.

Kentucky cottage food label questions

Does a Kentucky cottage food label need a home-kitchen statement?

Yes. The label must say "This product is home-produced and processed" in at least 10-point type. The statement must appear in ten (10) point type (KRS 217.136(3)(e)). The statute quotes the sentence without a final period; the Food Safety Branch's labeling guide and 'Summary of Updates' print it with a period and ask for at least 10-point type in clear contrast to the background. No placement rule — anywhere on the label.

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

Yes. Register with the DPH Food Safety Branch: form DFS-250 plus a $50 fee; registration expires March 31 each year and renews annually for $50 (902 KAR 45:090). No pre-licensing home inspection or training for the home-based processor tier (the cabinet may inspect annually, KRS 217.136(7)). The separate home-based microprocessor tier (farmers making acidified/canned foods) needs DFS-251, water-source approval, a food-processing workshop and recipe/label review.

Is there a sales limit for Kentucky cottage food?

Yes: $60,000 gross income per year from the sale of the products (KRS 217.015(56)).

Where can I sell cottage food in Kentucky?

Directly to consumers within Kentucky only: from the home by pick-up or delivery, at a market, roadside stand, community event, or online (KRS 217.136(5)); 902 KAR 45:090 names flea markets, farmers' markets, festivals, county fairs, craft fairs, non-profit charity events and roadside stands. Orders and payment may be taken online or by phone, but the product must be handed over in person inside Kentucky — no shipping, no sales to retail stores or restaurants (CHFS Summary of Updates).

Does a Kentucky cottage food label need a date?

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

Does a Kentucky 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.