Vermont Cottage Food Label Requirements

The required label statement

Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Vermont Department of Health.

Printed in at least 10-point type in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background label (Manufactured Food Rule § 6.2.1.1.7; VDH 'Food Manufacturing Licensing Exemptions', Nov 2025). The rule writes the sentence in sentence case with a closing period and no placement rule — anywhere on the label. VDH's example label prints it in bold as the last line.

What must be on your label

• The name and address of the operation (Manufactured Food Rule § 6.2.1.1.1) — VDH says use the physical address of the home kitchen, not a post office box
• The name of the food product (§ 6.2.1.1.2)
• The ingredients of the food product, in descending order of predominance by weight (§ 6.2.1.1.3)
• The net weights or net volumes of the food product (§ 6.2.1.1.4)
• Allergen information as specified by federal labeling requirements (§ 6.2.1.1.5) — nine major allergens: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame
• Nutritional labeling as specified by federal labeling requirements only if a nutrient content claim, health claim or other nutritional information is provided (§ 6.2.1.1.6)
• The statement "Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Vermont Department of Health." in at least 10-point type in a contrasting color (§ 6.2.1.1.7)
• Food sold from bulk containers need not be individually labeled — a clearly visible sign, placard or table tent at the service location bearing the label information is acceptable (VDH home-based food page)

Example: a Vermont label for a bag of butter cookies

An illustrative worksheet with the lines Vermont 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 Vermont 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.

Vermont cottage food label questions

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

Yes. The label must say "Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Vermont Department of Health." in at least 10-point type. Printed in at least 10-point type in a color that provides a clear contrast to the background label (Manufactured Food Rule § 6.2.1.1.7; VDH 'Food Manufacturing Licensing Exemptions', Nov 2025). The rule writes the sentence in sentence case with a closing period and no placement rule — anywhere on the label. VDH's example label prints it in bold as the last line.

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

Yes. No licence and no fee, but the exemption must be claimed: complete the Health Department's online training for exempt food manufacturers before starting and annually, then file a licence-exemption filing in the VDH online portal each year before January 15 (Manufactured Food Rule §§ 6.1, 6.2.2; 18 V.S.A. § 4358(c)). No routine inspection, but a public health inspector may inspect for compliance or complaints. Cottage food operator = produces or packages cottage food products solely in the home kitchen of a private residential dwelling or a kitchen on the person's own property (rented or commercial kitchens do not qualify).

Is there a sales limit for Vermont cottage food?

Yes: $30,000 gross annual receipts from the sale of cottage food products (18 V.S.A. § 4353(a)(3)(C) as amended by Act 42 (2025); Manufactured Food Rule § 6.1.1.2); a separate $10,000 exemption exists for non-bakery processed foods (§ 6.1.1.1) and VDH says both may be used together.

Where can I sell cottage food in Vermont?

Retail sales of non-TCS cottage food products (baked goods, candy, jams/jellies, dry mixes, granola, popcorn, coffee, tea, flavored vinegar, acidified home-canned pickles/fruits ≤ pH 4.6 using NCHFP-approved or process-authority-reviewed recipes). Exempt producers may NOT sell to restaurants or other licensed food service establishments (Health Regulations for Food Service Establishments § 5-204). Online, retail-store and farmers-market sales are not restricted by the rule (not stated in official sources). Interstate sales fall under federal law and the destination state's rules (VDH FAQ).

Does a Vermont 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.