Garland, TX Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 437 authorizes 'cottage food production operations' to make and sell specific non-potentially-hazardous foods (baked goods without cream/meat fillings, jams and jellies, dehydrated foods, certain candies, pickled vegetables tested under 4.6 pH, roasted coffee, popcorn, dry mixes) directly to consumers from a home kitchen. Garland does not require a separate local food establishment permit for compliant cottage food operators. Sales may occur from the home, at farmers markets, online (with in-person delivery within Texas), and by mail under specific conditions. Annual gross sales are capped at $50,000. Producers must complete a state-accredited food handler course, label all products with the producer's name, address, ingredients, allergens, and the required 'made in a home kitchen' disclosure, and may not sell to retail outlets or restaurants. Garland's home-occupation rules still apply: no employees outside the household, no signage, no significant external indication of business, and no traffic/parking impact on neighbors.