Washington Cottage Food Label Requirements
Cottage Food Operation (WSDA Cottage Food Permit, RCW ch. 69.22)
Registration
Required
WSDA Cottage Food Operation Permit, renewed every 2 years; fees: $30 processing + $75 public health review + $125 basic hygiene inspection (initial and annual inspections). All preparers need a food worker card. Recipes and labels are approved with the application — use a "Permit #: ____" placeholder before issuance.
Annual sales limit
$35,000/year gross (RCW 69.22.050; WSDA reviews the cap every 4 years with Seattle-area CPI — re-verify periodically)
Where you can sell
Direct to consumer only, within Washington; internet and mail-order sales prohibited; no wholesale, consignment, or use as an ingredient by other food businesses; products stored only in the primary residence.
The required label statement
Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria.
At least 11-point font, in a color providing clear contrast to the background (RCW 69.22.020). All caps or upper/lower case both acceptable per WSDA.
What must be on your label
- Name and PERMIT NUMBER of the cottage food operation (home address not required on the label — the permit number identifies the operation)
- Name of the cottage food product
- Ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight (sub-ingredients of prepared items listed)
- Net weight or net volume
- Allergen labeling per federal requirements
- Nutritional-claim labeling if any claim is made
- The 11-point disclaimer statement
Worth knowing
- Labels are pre-approved by WSDA with the permit application — a good workflow hook for the generator.
- Strictest sales regime of our 10 states: direct-only, no internet sales, $35k cap.
Verified against official Washington sources on 2026-08-31. Official source. This page is not legal advice — confirm requirements with your state.
Create a label with the Washington statement included