Arlington Heights, IL Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Illinois cottage food law (410 ILCS 625/4) allows residents to prepare and sell certain non-potentially hazardous foods from their home kitchens. Permitted products include baked goods (bread, cookies, cakes without cream filling), candy, jams, jellies, fruit butter, dried herbs, popcorn, granola, and similar shelf-stable items. Potentially hazardous foods requiring refrigeration, such as those containing meat, dairy cream fillings, or cut fresh produce, are not permitted under cottage food rules. The Illinois Home Kitchen Operations law expanded the program to allow some additional foods with proper labeling and an annual food safety course. Cottage food products must be labeled with the producer's name and address, the product name, ingredients, allergen information, and the statement 'Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the Department of Public Health.' Annual gross sales are capped at $75,000 for cottage food operations (higher threshold after 2024 amendments). Products may be sold at farmers markets, directly to consumers, and through some retail channels. Online sales with local delivery or pickup are permitted. Arlington Heights may require a Village business license for cottage food operators. The home occupation zoning provisions apply, so production levels must remain compatible with residential use and customer pickup traffic must stay within residential norms.