Mississippi Cottage Food Label Requirements

The required label statement

Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Mississippi's food safety regulations.

Exact sentence printed in at least ten-point type in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background of the label (Miss. Code Ann. § 75-29-951(3)(g)). The statute writes "cottage food operation" in lower case; MSDH's FAQ capitalises "Cottage Food operation" — the statutory wording is used here. No placement rule.

What must be on your label

• Name and address of the cottage food operation (§ 75-29-951(3)(a); MSDH: the home address where the product is made)
• Name of the cottage food product (§ 75-29-951(3)(b))
• Ingredients of the cottage food product, in descending order of predominance by weight (§ 75-29-951(3)(c))
• Net weight or net volume of the cottage food product (§ 75-29-951(3)(d))
• Allergen information as specified by federal labeling requirements (§ 75-29-951(3)(e); MSDH: milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, soybeans, fish, shellfish, tree nuts by species, sesame — in the ingredient list or a "Contains" statement)
• Appropriate nutritional information as specified by federal labeling requirements, only if a nutritional claim is made (§ 75-29-951(3)(f))
• The statement "Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Mississippi's food safety regulations." in at least ten-point type with clear contrast (§ 75-29-951(3)(g))
• Products must be prepackaged with the label affixed before sale (§ 75-29-951(3))

Example: a Mississippi label for a bag of butter cookies

An illustrative worksheet with the lines Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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.

Mississippi cottage food label questions

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

Yes. The label must say "Made in a cottage food operation that is not subject to Mississippi's food safety regulations." in at least 10-point type. Exact sentence printed in at least ten-point type in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background of the label (Miss. Code Ann. § 75-29-951(3)(g)). The statute writes "cottage food operation" in lower case; MSDH's FAQ capitalises "Cottage Food operation" — the statutory wording is used here. No placement rule.

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

No. No state permit, registration or fee: a compliant cottage food operation is exempt from the food establishment permit of § 41-3-18. MSDH inspects only on complaint. A city or county business licence may still be required (MSDH FAQ Q18). Training is encouraged, not required.

Is there a sales limit for Mississippi cottage food?

Yes: $35,000 in annual gross sales of cottage food products, all locations combined (Miss. Code Ann. § 75-29-951(1), raised from $20,000 by HB 326 in 2020); documentation must be provided to MSDH on request.

Where can I sell cottage food in Mississippi?

Direct, in-person sales from the producer to the end consumer only, within Mississippi. The statute prohibits sales over the Internet, by mail order, at wholesale or to a retail establishment (§ 75-29-951(2)); consignment and sales through regulated food businesses are prohibited (MSDH FAQ). Internet and social-media advertising is allowed (HB 326).

Does a Mississippi 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.