Cottage Food Operations: Manchester vs Nashua

Can I sell homemade baked goods from my home?

Yes, under cottage food laws in most areas. Manchester allows certain shelf-stable foods sold directly to consumers with proper labeling.

Do I need a commercial kitchen?

No, cottage food laws allow production in your home kitchen without commercial inspection, within revenue limits.

Can I sell home-baked goods from my Nashua home?

Yes. New Hampshire RSA 143-A authorizes Homestead Food Operations to sell non-potentially hazardous foods (breads, cookies, jams, jellies, candies, dry mixes, pickles, fruit pies) directly to consumers without a NH DHHS license up to $35,000 in gross annual sales. Above $35,000, or to sell wholesale, to retail stores, or by Internet/mail order, you need a Class H Homestead Food License ($150 annual) from NH DHHS. Labels must say 'This product is exempt from New Hampshire licensing and inspection' in at least 10-point font. Locally, Nashua Land Use Code Sec. 190-20 requires either a Minor Home Occupation approval (Administrative Officer) or a Major Home Occupation Special Exception (Zoning Board of Adjustment).

What foods are off-limits under NH homestead law?

Potentially hazardous foods — anything requiring temperature control for safety. That excludes meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, eggs, cream pies, custards, cheesecakes, pumpkin pies, fermented foods, low-acid canned goods, and sandwiches. RSA 143-A and NH Admin Code He-P 2310 limit homestead operations to shelf-stable, non-potentially-hazardous foods such as breads, cookies, brownies, double-crusted fruit pies, jams, jellies, preserves, candies, fudge, granola, packaged dry mixes, and properly acidified pickles. Anything beyond that requires a fully licensed commercial kitchen.