Dallas, TX Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)
Key Facts
- State Preemption
- Local permits/inspections prohibited
- Income Cap
- $150,000 annual gross revenue
- Excluded Foods
- Meat, poultry, seafood, frozen products
- DSHS Registration
- Required for TCS foods only
- Labeling
- Name, address or DSHS registration number
Summary
Texas state law governing cottage food production operations (CFPOs) preempts local regulation. No city permits, fees, inspections, or licenses are required to sell cottage foods from a home kitchen. Under SB 541 (effective 2025), Texas shifted to an exclusion-based model allowing nearly any home-produced food except meat/poultry, seafood, and frozen products. Annual gross income is capped at $150,000. CFPOs selling time/temperature-controlled foods must register with DSHS.
Sec. 437.0193. PACKAGING AND LABELING REQUIREMENTS FOR COTTAGE FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATIONS. (a) Food sold by a cottage food production operation must be packaged in a manner that prevents product contamination, except that a food item is not required to be packaged if it is too large or bulky for conventional packaging.(b) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules requiring a cottage food production operation to label all of the foods the operation sells to consumers. The label must include:(1) the name and address of the cottage food production operation; and(2) the following disclosure:"THIS PRODUCT WAS PRODUCED IN A PRIVATE RESIDENCE THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENTAL LICENSING OR INSPECTION."(b-1) Notwithstanding Subsection (b)(1), a cottage food production operation is not requi...
Full Breakdown
Dallas allows cottage food operations under state cottage food laws. Permitted products typically include baked goods, jams, candies, dried herbs, and other shelf-stable items. Potentially hazardous foods requiring refrigeration are generally excluded. Annual revenue caps typically range from a penalty set by local ordinance depending on state law. Products must be labeled with ingredients, allergens, and "Made in a Home Kitchen" disclaimer. No commercial kitchen or health inspection required for qualifying operations. Sales may be limited to direct-to-consumer channels (farmers markets, online with local delivery).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to sell baked goods from my Dallas home?
What foods can I sell as a cottage food operation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dallas
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Dallas to another location·View the Texas home business overview
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Cottage Food Operations in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle cottage food operations.