Lucas County, OH Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)
Key Facts
- License needed
- None (ORC 3715.025)
- Revenue cap
- None
- Allowed foods
- Shelf-stable baked goods, candy, jams
- Required label line
- 'This product is home produced.'
- Label type size
- Ten-point type
Summary
Ohio's cottage food law lets you make approved non-hazardous foods (baked goods, candies, jams, granola, popcorn) at home with no license, registration, inspection or revenue cap. You must label each product, including the state-mandated statement 'This product is home produced.' in 10-point type.
the following statement in ten-point type: 'This product is home produced.'
Full Breakdown
Under ORC 3715.025 and OAC Chapter 901:3-20, a cottage food production operation may make and sell allowed shelf-stable foods without a license, permit, registration or fee, and Ohio uniquely allows sale through retail food establishments in-state. Only listed non-perishable foods qualify (cookies, breads, cakes, fruit pies, candy, brittle, granola, popcorn, etc.); no refrigeration-required items. Each product must be labeled per ORC 3715.023: business name and address, product name, ingredients in descending order by weight, net weight, allergens, and the statement 'This product is home produced.' in ten-point type. Interstate sales are prohibited. This is a statewide law; Lucas County adds no separate registration.
Violations & Fines
Selling non-approved (potentially hazardous) foods, or mislabeling, moves the operation under Ohio's licensed food-processing rules and can draw enforcement by the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to sell home-baked goods in Ohio?
What must the label say?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lucas County
Compare Lucas County to another location·View the Ohio home business overview
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