Will County, IL Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Illinois is one of the most permissive cottage food states following Public Act 102-0633 amendments to the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act (410 ILCS 625). Home Kitchen Operations may sell baked goods, jams, jellies, candies, dried herbs, roasted coffee, honey, dehydrated fruits/vegetables, fermented foods (pickles, kimchi), and certain refrigerated items including frostings and fillings. Annual revenue cap is $78,000 (indexed annually). Sales permitted at farmers markets, direct-to-consumer including online with in-person or local delivery, and some food-service through contracts. Operators must complete an approved food handler course and register with local health department. Will County Health Department (Joliet office) handles registrations for unincorporated areas and contracted municipalities. Labels must include operator name, address, ingredients, allergens, and the statement 'Made in a home kitchen not subject to public health inspection that may also process common food allergens.' Products containing meat (except poultry under 1,000-bird exemption) remain excluded.