Jackson County, MS Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Jackson County permits cottage food operations under the Mississippi Cottage Food Law (MS Code §75-29-901 through §75-29-907), which authorizes home-based sales of non-potentially hazardous foods without Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) inspection or commercial kitchen requirements. The annual gross revenue cap is $35,000 - among the more restrictive caps nationally. Permitted foods include baked goods (breads, cookies, pies with exceptions for cream/custard fillings), jams and jellies using standard pectin recipes, candy, dried herbs and spices, dry mixes, granola, and certain candied or chocolate-dipped items. Prohibited foods include meat products, dairy, low-acid canned goods, fermented foods, cheesecakes, cream pies, and anything requiring refrigeration. All products must be labeled with: name and address of the cottage food operation, product name, ingredients in descending order by weight, allergen declarations, net weight, and the required disclaimer 'Made in a Mississippi Cottage Food Operation and is not subject to Mississippi's food safety regulations.' Sales must be direct-to-consumer at the operator's home, farmers markets, roadside stands, or events within Mississippi. Internet sales are permitted but delivery must be direct in-state only - no shipping. Wholesale to stores or restaurants is prohibited. No sales tax collection is required under the cottage food exemption, but operators may voluntarily register. Zoning in unincorporated Jackson County generally permits home-based food preparation in residential zones.