Under Iowa Code 137F.20, cottage food is exempt from all state licensing, permitting, inspection, packaging and labeling laws if sold and delivered by the producer directly to the consumer. Products must still carry name/address, common name, ingredients, and a residential-property disclaimer label.
Iowa Code 137F.20(1): "Cottage food is exempt from all licensing, permitting, inspection, packaging, and labeling laws of the state if the food is sold and delivered by the producer directly to the consumer, or delivered by mail or an agent of the producer such as an employee." Sales may be in person, remote, by telephone, internet or agent. Section 137F.20(2) still requires labels showing the preparer's name/address/phone/email, the food's common name, ingredients in descending order, and the statement: "This product was produced at a residential property that is exempt from state licensing and inspection," plus allergen and canning-date info where applicable. Polk County zoning still limits the activity to a home occupation.
The state exemption is conditional on direct sale and proper labeling; selling wholesale or through retail can require a Home Food Establishment (137D) or food establishment (137F) license from Iowa HHS.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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