South Carolina Cottage Food Label Requirements

The required label statement

PROCESSED AND PREPARED BY A HOME-BASED FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS.

A conspicuous statement printed in all capital letters and in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background (S.C. Code § 44-1-143(D)(4)). No point size is fixed. The statute includes the period inside the quotation; the former prefix "NOT FOR RESALE—" was deleted by 2022 Act No. 208 — do not print it.

What must be on your label

• All food items packaged at the operation for sale must be properly labeled; the label must comply with federal laws and regulations (§ 44-1-143(D))
• The name and address of the home-based food production operation; an operator who does not want the address on the label may instead use the identification number the department provides on request (§ 44-1-143(D)(1)) — SCDA issues it as the "SCDA Home-based Food ID number"
• The name of the product being sold (§ 44-1-143(D)(2))
• The ingredients used to make the product in descending order of predominance by weight (§ 44-1-143(D)(3))
• A conspicuous statement in all capital letters, in a color that clearly contrasts with the background: "PROCESSED AND PREPARED BY A HOME-BASED FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS." (§ 44-1-143(D)(4))
• Allergen statement per federal law (via the federal-compliance clause of § 44-1-143(D)): SCDA guidance says list each major allergen by name (wheat, soy, milk, egg, finfish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts — naming the specific tree nut — and sesame) or include a may-contain disclaimer
• No health claims may be made for home-based foods (SCDA fact sheet CPD Form #2210, 5/1/26)

Example: a South Carolina label for a bag of butter cookies

An illustrative worksheet with the lines South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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.

South Carolina cottage food label questions

Does a South Carolina cottage food label need a home-kitchen statement?

Yes. The label must say "PROCESSED AND PREPARED BY A HOME-BASED FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO SOUTH CAROLINA'S FOOD SAFETY REGULATIONS.". A conspicuous statement printed in all capital letters and in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background (S.C. Code § 44-1-143(D)(4)). No point size is fixed. The statute includes the period inside the quotation; the former prefix "NOT FOR RESALE—" was deleted by 2022 Act No. 208 — do not print it.

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

No. No permit, license, registration or inspection: a home-based food production operation is not a retail food establishment and is not regulated under Regulation 61-25 (§ 44-1-143(F)); SCDA states it does not issue permits, licenses, certificates or registrations for these operators. Optional: apply to SCDA online (after reading its Home-based Food Production Law Guidance; no fee is stated on the SCDA page) for a Home-based Food ID number to print instead of the home address. Operations with net earnings under $1,500 a year are outside the section entirely (§ 44-1-143(G)). The statute's facility and practice rules (approved water and sewage, separate ingredient storage, refrigerator, hand-wash sink, pets out, no domestic activity during production) still apply.

Is there a sales limit for South Carolina cottage food?

No annual cap is set: none — no cap in § 44-1-143; the $1,500 net-earnings figure in (G) is an exemption threshold, not a ceiling.

Where can I sell cottage food in South Carolina?

Directly to individual consumers, including online and by mail order, or to retail stores including grocery stores (which must post signage that home-based food products are not subject to commercial food regulations) (§ 44-1-143(A)(1), (E)). SCDA describes sales as within South Carolina. Only nonpotentially hazardous foods; aluminum canned goods and charcuterie boards are excluded (§ 44-1-143(A)). Local ordinances may override (§ 44-1-143(I)).

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

Yes, if you use the issued SCDA Home-based Food ID number instead. The name and address of the home-based food production operation; an operator who does not want the address on the label may instead use the identification number the department provides on request (§ 44-1-143(D)(1)) — SCDA issues it as the "SCDA Home-based Food ID number"

Does a South Carolina 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.