Maryland Cottage Food Label Requirements

The required label statement

Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to Maryland's food safety regulations.

Printed in 10 point or larger type in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background of the label (HG §21-330.1(c)(2)(ii); COMAR 10.15.03.27C(1)(c)). The statute quotes the sentence with a final period, which is part of the statement. No placement rule. MDH requires labels in English and accepts one-piece or two-piece (front/back) labels; the statute and MDH typeset "Maryland's" with a typographic apostrophe.

What must be on your label

• EITHER the name and address of the cottage food business OR the name and phone number of the cottage food business and the identification number assigned by MDH (HG §21-330.1(c)(2)(i)1; §21-330.1(d))
• The name of the cottage food product (HG §21-330.1(c)(2)(i)2)
• The ingredients of the cottage food product in descending order of the amount of each ingredient by weight — MDH asks for sub-ingredients as well (HG §21-330.1(c)(2)(i)3; MDH guidelines 11/2025)
• The net weight or net volume of the cottage food product (HG §21-330.1(c)(2)(i)4); MDH guidelines also accept count
• Allergen information as specified by federal labeling requirements (HG §21-330.1(c)(2)(i)5)
• If any nutritional claim is made, nutritional information as specified by federal labeling requirements (HG §21-330.1(c)(2)(i)6)
• The statement "Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to Maryland's food safety regulations." in 10 point or larger type with clear contrast (HG §21-330.1(c)(2)(ii))
• For a cottage food product offered for sale at a retail food store only: the phone number and e-mail address of the cottage food business and the date the cottage food product was made (HG §21-330.1(c)(2)(iii)); MDH must review the label and a food-safety-course certificate first (HG §21-330.1(g); COMAR 10.15.03.27C(6)-(9))
• Labels must be in English; one-piece or front/back two-piece labels accepted (MDH guidelines)

Example: a Maryland label for a bag of butter cookies

An illustrative worksheet with the lines Maryland 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 Maryland 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.

Maryland cottage food label questions

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

Yes. The label must say "Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to Maryland's food safety regulations." in at least 10-point type. Printed in 10 point or larger type in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background of the label (HG §21-330.1(c)(2)(ii); COMAR 10.15.03.27C(1)(c)). The statute quotes the sentence with a final period, which is part of the statement. No placement rule. MDH requires labels in English and accepts one-piece or two-piece (front/back) labels; the statute and MDH typeset "Maryland's" with a typographic apostrophe.

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

No. No licence, review or fee for direct-to-consumer sales (HG §21-330.1(b)); comply with county and municipal ordinances (§21-330.1(e)). Optional: request a free unique identification number from MDH (ID and Retail Sales Request Form) to print instead of the home address — then the business name and phone number become mandatory. Selling to retail food stores requires prior MDH review of the label plus an ANSI-accredited basic food-safety course certificate (within 3 years) and written MDH approval (§21-330.1(g); COMAR 10.15.03.27C(6)-(9)).

Is there a sales limit for Maryland cottage food?

Yes: $100,000 annual revenue from cottage food products from October 1, 2026 (HG §21-301(b-1)(3) as amended by Ch. 320 of 2026, HB 535); $50,000 before that date. COMAR 10.15.03.02B(17-1) and MDH's guidelines (11/2025) still print $50,000..

Where can I sell cottage food in Maryland?

Maryland only: directly to a consumer from the residence, at a farmer's market, bake sale or public event, by personal delivery, or by mail delivery; and to a retail food store (grocery store, convenience store, retail market, retail bakery, food cooperative) after MDH approval. Interstate sales and sales outside Maryland are prohibited (HG §21-301(b-2); COMAR 10.15.03.27A; MDH guidelines).

Can I leave my home address off a Maryland cottage food label?

Yes, if you use the issued MDH cottage food identification number instead. EITHER the name and address of the cottage food business OR the name and phone number of the cottage food business and the identification number assigned by MDH (HG §21-330.1(c)(2)(i)1; §21-330.1(d))

Does a Maryland 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.