Cincinnati, OH Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)
Key Facts
- Annual Sales Cap
- $75,000 gross revenue
- License Required
- No food license needed
- Labeling
- Name, address, ingredients, date, disclaimer
- Sales Method
- Direct to consumer only
- State Law
- ORC 3715.024
Summary
ORC 3715.024 allows Cincinnati residents to sell cottage food (baked goods, jams, etc.) up to $75,000/year from home without a food license. Labeling is required.
(A) A maple syrup or sorghum processor and beekeeper described in division (A) of section 3715.021 of the Revised Code may request that the director of agriculture conduct a voluntary inspection of the processor's or beekeeper's facilities. After the inspection is completed, if the inspector determines that the facilities comply with the rules adopted by the director pursuant to division (B) of this section, the processor or beekeeper may place on the label required under section 3715.023 of the Revised Code a seal of conformity and inspection of the department of agriculture.
(B) The director shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code that establish the following:
(1) Standards that maple syrup or sorghum processors and beekeepers must satisfy in order to be permitted to place on the label of their food products a seal of conformity and inspection of the director, as described in division (A) of this section;
(2) The seal of conformity and inspection to be used for purposes described in division (A) of this section.
Full Breakdown
Under Ohio Revised Code 3715.024, Cincinnati residents may produce and sell cottage food products from their home kitchen without a food processing license, provided annual gross sales do not exceed $75,000. Eligible products include baked goods, candies, jams, jellies, fruit butters, granola, dry herbs, roasted nuts, popcorn, and other non-potentially-hazardous foods that do not require refrigeration. Each product must bear a label stating the producer name and address, the product name, ingredients in descending order, the date of production, and a disclaimer that the product was made in a home kitchen not inspected by the state. Sales must be direct to the consumer (farmers markets, roadside stands, online with local delivery). Cottage food producers may not sell through wholesale or retail stores. The Hamilton County General Health District does not inspect cottage food kitchens but may investigate complaints. Cincinnati home occupation zoning rules still apply, so customer traffic at the home must remain minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I sell as a cottage food producer in Cincinnati?
Do I need a license to sell baked goods from home in Cincinnati?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cincinnati
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