Baytown vs Bellaire
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Baytown, TX and Bellaire, TX?
Baytown and Bellaire have similar restriction levels.
Baytown, TX
Harris County
Texas cottage food law (Health and Safety Code Chapter 437) allows Baytown residents to sell homemade baked goods, candies, jams, dried herbs, and other non-potentially-hazardous foods directly to consumers without a city food permit or health department inspection. Annual sales are capped at $50,000. Sales must be direct to consumers at the home, farmers markets, or through social media and internet orders with in-person delivery.
View full Baytown rules →Bellaire, TX
Harris County
Texas Cottage Food Law (Health and Safety Code Chapter 437) allows Bellaire residents to sell certain homemade foods directly to consumers without a food establishment permit or city inspection. Annual sales are capped at $75,000. Products must be non-potentially hazardous foods prepared in the producer's home kitchen and sold directly to consumers within Texas.
View full Bellaire rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Baytown | Bellaire |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Sales Cap | $50,000 | $75,000 per household |
| City Permit | Not required under state law | Not required under state law |
| Health Inspection | Not required | - |
| Sales Method | Direct to consumer only | Direct to consumer only |
| Labeling | Required with home kitchen disclaimer | - |
| Online Sales | - | Permitted with delivery in TX |
| Inspections | - | Exempt from city health inspection |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Baytown FAQ
Can I sell homemade food from my home in Baytown?
Yes. Texas cottage food law allows the sale of non-potentially-hazardous homemade foods like baked goods, jams, candies, and dried herbs directly to consumers without a city food permit or health inspection. Annual sales are capped at $50,000.
What foods can I NOT sell under Texas cottage food law?
You cannot sell potentially hazardous foods including meat products, dairy products, most fresh-cut fruits, and any food requiring refrigeration for safety. Only shelf-stable, non-potentially-hazardous foods are permitted.
Do I need any license or permit to operate?
No city food establishment permit, food handler's license, or health department inspection is required. You must label products with your name, address, ingredients, allergens, and the required home kitchen disclaimer statement.
Bellaire FAQ
Do I need a Bellaire permit to sell homemade food?
No. Texas Cottage Food Law preempts local regulation. You do not need a city food establishment permit to sell eligible homemade foods directly to consumers, though home-business zoning rules still apply.
What foods can I sell under the cottage food law?
Eligible products include baked goods, candies, jams, jellies, dried herbs, dry mixes, popcorn, nuts, granola, pickled fruits and vegetables, and fermented vegetables. Products must not require refrigeration for safety.
Can I sell cottage food online in Texas?
Yes. HB 1926 (2019) authorized online sales and delivery of cottage food products within Texas. You must still comply with labeling requirements and the $75,000 annual sales cap.
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