Corpus Christi, TX Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 437 (Subchapter D), a cottage food production operation is a person who produces food items in the individuals home kitchen and sells them directly to consumers. The law was expanded effective September 1, 2025 to allow sale of nearly all food products other than meat, meat products, poultry, or poultry products. Previously the list was limited to specific shelf-stable items such as baked goods, candy, jams, and dried herbs. Cottage food operators in Corpus Christi do not need a food handlers permit, a city business license for the food operation, or any local health department inspection.

The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District is expressly prohibited by state law from requiring a permit or fee for cottage food operations. Sales must be made directly to the consumer at the producers home, a farmers market, a farm stand, or through an online marketplace that complies with labeling requirements. Each product must bear a label stating the name and address of the producer, the name of the product, the date it was made, and a disclaimer that the product was not produced in a facility inspected by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Delivery to the consumer is permitted within the state if the online-order labeling requirements are met. Gross annual sales may not exceed fifty thousand dollars. No commercial kitchen certification is needed, but the home kitchen must comply with generally accepted food safety practices. Operators should still confirm that their home occupation complies with UDC zoning standards if customers regularly visit the residence to pick up orders.