Johns Creek, GA Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Selling homemade foods from a Johns Creek residence is controlled primarily by Georgia's Cottage Food program, regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture's Retail Food section. Cottage food operators may produce only non-potentially-hazardous (shelf-stable) foods - examples on the state list include breads, rolls and biscuits, cakes, pastries and cookies, candies and confections, fruit pies, jams/jellies/preserves, dried fruits, dry herbs and seasonings, cereals and granola, coated or uncoated nuts, flavored vinegar, and popcorn products. Foods requiring refrigeration are not allowed. Each package must carry the statement "MADE IN A COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO STATE FOOD SAFETY INSPECTIONS," along with standard product, ingredient, and contact labeling. Under House Bill 398, effective July 1, 2025, Georgia eliminated the state cottage food license requirement and broadened allowable sales venues. At the local level, Johns Creek does not publish its own cottage food ordinance, but a home kitchen food business still operates as a home occupation under Zoning Sec. 4.12 (resident-only operation, area limits, no signs, no nuisance) and needs a city Business Tax Certificate. Because state cottage food rules continue to evolve under HB 398, confirm current labeling and venue rules directly with the Georgia Department of Agriculture.