Bergen County follows New Jersey's statewide Cottage Food Operator Permit program administered by the NJ Department of Health. Permits allow up to $50,000 annual sales of approved baked goods from home kitchens.
Cottage food in Bergen County is governed by New Jersey's Cottage Food Operator Permit rule (N.J.A.C. 8:24-11), effective October 2021. Operators must obtain a permit from the New Jersey Department of Health, complete an approved food safety course, and limit sales to $50,000 per year. Allowed products are non-potentially hazardous baked goods, candies, jams, and similar items. Sales must be direct-to-consumer; no wholesale or internet shipping outside New Jersey. The Bergen County Department of Health Services provides local inspection support and complaint response, but permitting is handled at the state level.
Operating without a permit may result in state fines up to $1,000 and immediate cease-and-desist orders.
See how other cities in Bergen County handle cottage food operations.
See how Mahwah's cottage food operations rules stack up against other locations.
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