Fayetteville, NC Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

The NCDA&CS Food and Drug Protection Division runs the Home Processor program. A Food Regulatory Specialist inspects the residential kitchen for layout, sanitation, storage, handwashing, and pest control. Approval yields an inspection report and Notice of Inspection rather than a permit. Only shelf-stable, non-potentially-hazardous items qualify: baked goods, jams and jellies, candies, dried mixes, some sauces and pickles. Cheesecakes, custards, cream fillings, dairy, seafood, and canned low-acid foods are excluded. Indoor pets disqualify the kitchen outright under Good Manufacturing Practices at 21 CFR 117 Subpart B. On the city side, UDO Section 30-4.D.3.i limits the home occupation to 20 percent of heated floor area or 600 square feet, bars on-site retail sales, and permits one non-resident employee.