Montana Cottage Food Label Requirements

The required label statement

Made in a home kitchen that is not subject to retail food establishment regulations or inspections.

Exact sentence in at least 11-point font, in a color that contrasts with the background, on the principal label (MCA 50-50-116(2)). DPHHS's guidance prints it in sentence case and shows an all-caps example; the 11-point size is the hard rule.

What must be on your label

• Name and address of the cottage food operation — street, city, state and ZIP code (MCA 50-50-116(2))
• Name of the cottage food product (MCA 50-50-116(2))
• Ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight (MCA 50-50-116(2)); DPHHS: sub-ingredients in parentheses, e.g. "butter (milk, salt)"
• Net quantity, weight, count or volume (MCA 50-50-116(2)); DPHHS FAQ supplies metric conversions
• Allergen labeling under federal and state rules (MCA 50-50-116(2)); DPHHS: "Contains" statement below the ingredients accepted
• Nutritional-claim labeling only if a nutritional claim is made and federal law requires it (MCA 50-50-116(2))
• The statement "Made in a home kitchen that is not subject to retail food establishment regulations or inspections." in at least 11-point contrasting type on the principal label (MCA 50-50-116(2))
• Products must be packaged and labeled before sale (MCA 50-50-116(2)); for items that cannot be packaged, such as wedding cakes, all label information goes on the invoice delivered with the product (DPHHS FAQ)
• A copy of each product label must be submitted with the registration (MCA 50-50-117(2))

Example: a Montana label for a bag of butter cookies

An illustrative worksheet with the lines Montana 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 Montana 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.

Montana cottage food label questions

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

Yes. The label must say "Made in a home kitchen that is not subject to retail food establishment regulations or inspections." in at least 11-point type. Exact sentence in at least 11-point font, in a color that contrasts with the background, on the principal label (MCA 50-50-116(2)). DPHHS's guidance prints it in sentence case and shows an all-caps example; the 11-point size is the hard rule.

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

Yes. Register with the local health authority (county sanitarian) of the county of residence before selling (MCA 50-50-117); application includes residence address, ingredient sources, product list, recipes with ingredient weights and a label for each product. One-time $40 fee set by DPHHS rule; re-register if the operation moves or new recipes/labels are added. No inspection except on complaint or illness investigation. Registration is not required if products are sold only at farmers' markets (DPHHS guidance and FAQ).

Is there a sales limit for Montana cottage food?

No annual cap is set: none — MCA 50-50-116 and DPHHS guidance state no annual sales cap (argument from silence).

Where can I sell cottage food in Montana?

Direct, face-to-face sales to the consumer within Montana only: from the home, farmers' markets, flea markets, craft bazaars, fairs, or delivered by the producer. Consignment, wholesale, sales to restaurants or retail stores, mail order and shipping (USPS/UPS/FedEx, Amazon-style platforms) are prohibited; the internet and phone may be used only to advertise and arrange an in-person sale (MCA 50-50-116(3); DPHHS FAQ).

Does a Montana 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.