Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Clay County

Clay County, MO Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

License
Not required
Sales cap
None (removed 2022)
Allowed
Baked goods, jams, dried herbs
Statute
Mo. Rev. Stat. § 196.298
Label
Home-kitchen disclosure required

Summary

Missouri's cottage food law lets Clay County residents sell home-baked goods, canned jams and jellies, and dried herbs directly to consumers with no license, no inspection, and no sales cap. Products just need a home-kitchen label.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Clay County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

an individual operation out of the individual's home who: (a) Produces a baked good, a canned jam or jelly, or a dried herb or herb mix for sale at the individual's home; and (b) Sells the food produced under paragraph (a) of this subdivision only directly to consumers

Source: Revised Statutes of MissouriView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 196.298, a cottage food operation in Clay County can make baked goods, canned jams or jellies, and dried herbs or herb mixes at home and sell them directly to consumers with no food license or health inspection. A 2022 amendment (HB 1697) removed the former $50,000 annual sales cap, so sales are now unlimited. The exemption covers only those non-hazardous products; foods needing refrigeration for safety are excluded. Each item must be labeled with the operation's name and address and a statement that the food is not inspected by the state or local health department. Online sales are allowed only within Missouri.

Violations & Fines

Selling foods outside the allowed list, refrigerated products, or omitting the required home-kitchen label removes the exemption and subjects the seller to full food-establishment permitting and inspection by the Clay County Public Health Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell baked goods from home in Clay County?
Yes. Missouri's cottage food law allows home-baked goods, jams, jellies, and dried herbs sold directly to consumers with no license or inspection. Label each item as home-produced.
Is there a limit on how much I can sell?
No. Missouri removed the $50,000 annual cap in 2022, so cottage food sales are now unlimited, as long as products stay on the approved non-hazardous list.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clay County

Home DaycareSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Brush ClearanceSignificant RestrictionsPublic Conduct: Public Alcohol UseSome RestrictionsSpecial Events & Permits: Park Event PermitsSignificant RestrictionsSpecial Events & Permits: Street Fair RulesSignificant RestrictionsSoliciting & Door-to-Door: Solicitor PermitsLight Restrictions

All Clay County rules

Compare Clay County to another location·View the Missouri home business overview

Get notified when Cottage Food Operations in Clay County, MO changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.