Cottage Food Operations: Chicago vs Des Plaines
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL?
Des Plaines has fewer restrictions than Chicago.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago allows cottage food operations under the Illinois Home-to-Market Act (410 ILCS 625/4, amended 2022) with registration through the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). A Certified Food Protection Manager certificate is required.
View full Chicago rules →Des Plaines, IL
Cook County
Illinois's Cottage Food and Home Kitchen Operations Act allows Des Plaines residents to sell certain homemade shelf-stable foods directly to consumers without a commercial kitchen. Cottage food annual gross sales are capped at $75,000 with required labeling. Cook County Department of Public Health registration is required, and Des Plaines home occupation rules still apply to signage and traffic.
View full Des Plaines rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Des Plaines |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Fee | Max $50 (set by state law) | - |
| Certification | Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) required | - |
| State Law | 410 ILCS 625/4 (Home-to-Market Act) | - |
| Chicago Registration | Through CDPH (not county) | - |
| Prohibited | Meat, poultry, fish, seafood, most dairy | - |
| Revenue Cap | - | $75,000/year |
| Home Kitchen Cap | - | $50,000/year |
| Registration | - | Cook County Health |
| Labeling | - | Required on all products |
| Sales | - | Direct to consumer |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
How do I start a cottage food business in Chicago?
Register with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), obtain a Certified Food Protection Manager certificate, and label all products with the required home kitchen disclosure. The registration fee is capped at $50.
What foods can I sell from my home kitchen in Chicago?
Most foods are allowed except meat, poultry, fish, seafood, and most dairy. Baked goods, jams, pickles, and fermented foods are common cottage food products. Acidified and fermented foods require a safety plan.
Do I need my kitchen inspected for a cottage food operation?
No. Cottage food registrations do not involve kitchen inspections. However, the health department may inspect if a food safety complaint is filed.
Des Plaines FAQ
Can I sell homemade food from my Des Plaines home?
Yes. Illinois's Cottage Food Act allows direct sale of approved shelf-stable foods up to $75,000 annual gross sales. Required labeling and Cook County Health registration apply.
What foods can I sell under cottage food rules?
Shelf-stable baked goods without cream fillings, jams, jellies, candy, dried herbs, roasted coffee, popcorn, and granola. Potentially hazardous foods require a Home Kitchen Operation license.
Can customers pick up food at my home?
Technically allowed by state law, but Des Plaines's home occupation traffic rules make farmers market sales or delivery the safer compliance route.
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