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.
Since January 1, 2022, the Illinois Home-to-Market Act (Public Act 102-0633) allows home-based food businesses to produce and sell most foods directly to consumers. Chicago residents must register with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) rather than the county, paying a registration fee capped at $50 by law. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate is required (not the basic Food Handler certificate). Acidified and fermented foods require a Cottage Food Safety Plan and Hazard Analysis. Products must be labeled with the statement: 'This product was produced in a home kitchen not inspected by a health department.' Prohibited items include meat, poultry, fish, seafood, and most dairy products. Sales must be direct to consumers for their own consumption.
Operating without registration may result in a cease-and-desist order and fines. Health department inspection may be triggered by food safety complaints. Selling prohibited items (meat, seafood, dairy) can result in closure and fines.
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