Michigan cottage food law and home bakery license requirements
Michigan's Cottage Food Law exempts eligible operations from licensing and inspection, but operators still need to follow allowed-food, direct-sale, labeling, and local ordinance rules.
Prepared by AppsVerified Research · Reviewed 2026-07-06
Quick answer
Michigan home food sellers should treat the current path as License and inspection exemption for eligible foods. Before selling, confirm the exact products, kitchen, labels, local rules, and sales channels with Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Agency and official source
Primary agency: Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Open official sourcePermit, food, and sales notes
Permit path
Eligible cottage food operations generally do not need a Michigan food license, but the MDARD page controls the current limits.
Foods
Only qualifying non-potentially hazardous foods can use the cottage food path.
Sales
Direct sale and in-state delivery rules matter. Confirm online, delivery, third-party, retail, and wholesale limits before selling.
Training, labels, and local checks
Training
Training is practical evidence even when licensing is not required; some markets may request it.
Labels
Michigan labels need the required cottage food statement plus product, ingredients, allergens, net quantity, and producer details.
Local
Local zoning, farmers market, DBA, tax, and insurance rules still matter.
Documents to gather
- MDARD cottage food review
- Allowed-food list for each product
- Product labels
- Gross sales log
- Local market and zoning notes
Sales cap and record note
Check MDARD for the current annual gross-sales cap and when a licensed facility is required.
Operating risk
A product outside the cottage food exemption or sales beyond the cap can require a licensed food establishment.