Douglas County, NE Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Nebraska has one of the more permissive cottage food laws in the country after LB 262 was signed in 2024, codified at NRS §81-2,280. Permitted products include baked goods, jams and jellies, candies, dried herbs and teas, and (new under LB 262) certain refrigerated and potentially hazardous foods such as cheesecakes, cream pies, pickles, salsa, hot sauces, and pre-cooked foods that require heating. Meat, poultry, seafood, and low-acid canned goods remain prohibited. Producers must register annually with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (free registration). Products must be labeled with producer name and address, product name, ingredients in descending order, allergen declarations, and the statement "This product was made in a home kitchen not subject to routine government food safety inspection." Sales must be direct-to-consumer — farmers markets, home sales, roadside stands, online with local delivery. No annual sales limit. Omaha treats cottage food operations as a permitted home occupation under zoning Chapter 55 as long as no exterior signage, customer traffic impact, or commercial kitchen is present.