Genesee County, MI Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)
Key Facts
- License needed
- No, for listed foods
- Governing law
- MCL 289.4102
- Sales cap
- $50,000 (or $75,000 premium)
- Regulator
- State MDARD, not county
- Sales channel
- Direct to consumer only
Summary
Under the Michigan Cottage Food Law you can make and sell certain non-hazardous foods from your home kitchen without a license or inspection, subject to a state sales cap and labeling rules. This is a statewide rule, not a county one.
the gross sales of cottage food products by a cottage food operation must not exceed $50,000.00 annually until October 1, 2026.
Full Breakdown
Michigan's Cottage Food Law (MCL 289.4102) lets residents produce non-potentially-hazardous foods, baked goods, jams, candies, dry mixes and similar, in an unlicensed home kitchen and sell them directly to consumers, without a license or Genesee County Health Department inspection. Products must be properly labeled and sales are direct-to-consumer only. State gross-sales limits apply (currently up to $50,000 annually, or $75,000 for products at $250 or more per unit, through October 1, 2026). Foods requiring refrigeration are excluded. Your city or township zoning may still restrict operating a food business from home, so confirm local home-occupation rules too.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the sales cap, skipping required labeling, or selling potentially hazardous foods can trigger state enforcement (MDARD), including orders to obtain a food license or stop sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to sell homemade baked goods?
How much can I sell under cottage food?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Genesee County
Compare Genesee County to another location·View the Michigan home business overview
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