New Jersey Cottage Food Label Requirements

The required label statement

This food is prepared pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:24-11 in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Department of Health.

Exact sentence, printed word for word with nothing added, removed or changed (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.4(c)6; NJDOH labeling page). No type size, font, contrast or placement rule is given. The same sentence must appear on a placard, together with the permit, at any point of sale other than the operator's or consumer's residence (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.4(b)).

What must be on your label

• Common name of the cottage food product (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.4(c)1)
• Ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.4(c)2)
• If the product contains a major food allergen: the word "Contains" followed by the major food allergens present — eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, sesame, shellfish, soy, tree nuts (name the specific nut), wheat (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.4(c)3; NJDOH labeling page/FAQ)
• The cottage food operator's full personal name, business name, and Cottage Food Operator Permit number — a business name alone is not sufficient (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.4(c)4)
• The municipality in which the product is prepared (must match the residence of record with the Department), followed by "New Jersey" or "NJ" — no street address is required (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.4(c)5)
• The statement "This food is prepared pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:24-11 in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Department of Health." (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.4(c)6)
• Items sold individually (e.g. cupcakes): at least one tag with the full label information plus a sign showing the permit information and the same statement (NJDOH FAQ)
• Point of sale away from the operator's or consumer's home: display the permit and a placard bearing the statement (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.4(b))

Example: a New Jersey label for a bag of butter cookies

An illustrative worksheet with the lines New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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.

New Jersey cottage food label questions

Does a New Jersey cottage food label need a home-kitchen statement?

Yes. The label must say "This food is prepared pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:24-11 in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Department of Health.". Exact sentence, printed word for word with nothing added, removed or changed (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.4(c)6; NJDOH labeling page). No type size, font, contrast or placement rule is given. The same sentence must appear on a placard, together with the permit, at any point of sale other than the operator's or consumer's residence (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.4(b)).

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

Yes. Cottage Food Operator Permit from the NJ Department of Health: $100 non-refundable application fee, valid two years, $100 renewal (file at least 45 days before expiry) (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.6). Application needs local zoning approval, a food protection manager certificate, proof of potable water and a product questionnaire per item. No routine inspection, but health authorities have right of access (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.5).

Is there a sales limit for New Jersey cottage food?

Yes: $50,000 gross annual sales of cottage food products, before taxes and expenses (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.3(b)).

Where can I sell cottage food in New Jersey?

Direct to consumers in New Jersey only: from the operator's home (no on-site consumption), at the consumer's NJ home, NJ farmers' markets and farm stands, NJ temporary retail food establishments (fairs, events), or elsewhere in NJ where not prohibited. Orders, payment and marketing may be online, but no shipping by mail or common carrier, no interstate sales, and no sales to retail or wholesale food establishments (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11.2(b), 8:24-11.3(a)).

Does a New Jersey 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.