Gaithersburg vs Takoma Park
How do cottage food operations rules compare between Gaithersburg, MD and Takoma Park, MD?
Gaithersburg and Takoma Park have similar restriction levels.
Gaithersburg, MD
Montgomery County
Maryland Health-General Article 21-330 (the Cottage Food Law) allows Gaithersburg residents to prepare and sell certain homemade non-potentially hazardous foods directly to consumers from their home kitchen without obtaining a commercial kitchen license, health department inspection, or food facility permit. Annual gross sales are capped at $25,000. Only shelf-stable, non-potentially hazardous foods are permitted, including baked goods without cream-based fillings or frostings, candies, jams, jellies, fruit butters, dry herbs and spice blends, dry baking mixes, popcorn, granola, nut butters, and similar items that do not require refrigeration for food safety. All products must carry a label including the producer's name and home address, complete ingredients list, allergen warnings per FDA requirements, net weight or volume, and the mandatory statement that the product was made in a home kitchen not inspected by the State of Maryland. Sales must be direct to the end consumer at venues such as farmers markets, roadside stands, community events, and from the home itself. Wholesale distribution to retail stores, restaurants, or online shipping is not permitted under the cottage food exemption.
View full Gaithersburg rules →Takoma Park, MD
Montgomery County
Maryland Cottage Food Law (Health-General 21-330.1) lets Takoma Park residents sell homemade shelf-stable foods direct to consumers. Sales capped at $50,000 annually. No health department license needed.
View full Takoma Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gaithersburg | Takoma Park |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | MD Health-General Article 21-330 | MD Health-General 21-330.1 |
| Sales Cap | $25,000/year gross | $50,000 per year |
| Allowed Foods | Shelf-stable only: baked goods, jams, candies, dry mixes | - |
| Labeling | Name, address, ingredients, allergens, disclaimer required | Required with home kitchen disclaimer |
| Sales Method | Direct-to-consumer only (no wholesale or shipping) | Direct to consumer only |
| License Required | - | No health dept license needed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gaithersburg FAQ
Can I sell homemade baked goods from my home in Gaithersburg?
Yes. Under Maryland Health-General Article 21-330, you can sell non-potentially hazardous baked goods (bread, cookies, brownies, fruit pies, cakes without cream-based frosting) directly to consumers from your home kitchen without a commercial license. Annual sales are capped at $25,000, and proper labeling including allergen declarations is required.
Do I need a health department inspection for cottage food in Gaithersburg?
No. Cottage food operations under the $25,000 threshold are exempt from commercial kitchen licensing and health department inspection. Your home kitchen is not inspected. You must include a label on all products stating: This product was made in a home kitchen that is not inspected by the State of Maryland.
Can I sell cottage food at the Gaithersburg farmers market?
Yes. Direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets, community events, and roadside stands are permitted under the cottage food law. Each market may have its own vendor application and fee requirements. Wholesale sales to stores or restaurants and online shipping are not covered by the cottage food exemption.
Takoma Park FAQ
Can I sell baked goods from my home in Takoma Park?
Yes, under Maryland's Cottage Food Law. Baked goods, jams, candies, and other shelf-stable items can be sold directly to consumers without a food processing license, up to $50,000 annually.
Can I sell cottage food at the Takoma Park Farmers Market?
Yes. Farmers markets are an approved sales venue under Maryland cottage food law. You must label products properly and may need to apply separately for a vendor spot at the market.
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