Mansfield, TX Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- TX H&S Code Chapter 437
- Local Preemption
- Yes
- Revenue Cap
- 50000 dollars per year
- Food Handler Certificate
- Required
- Direct Sales Only
- No wholesale to stores
Summary
Mansfield follows the Texas Cottage Food Law under Health and Safety Code Chapter 437, which preempts local rules. Home bakers may sell non-TCS foods directly to consumers without a local permit.
REGULATION OF COTTAGE FOOD PRODUCTION OPERATIONS BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES PROHIBITED; COMPLAINTS. (a) A local government authority, including a local health department, may not: (1) regulate the production of food at a cottage food production operation; or (2) require a cottage food production operation to obtain any type of license or permit or pay any fee to produce or sell directly to a consumer or cottage food vendor, or to provide samples directly to a consumer, a food other than a food described by Sections 437.001(2-b)(A)(i)-(vi). (b) Each local health department and the department shall maintain a record of a complaint made by a person against a cottage food production operation.
Full Breakdown
The City of Mansfield allows cottage food operations under the Texas Cottage Food Law (Health and Safety Code Chapter 437), which preempts local regulation and grants broad rights to home-based food producers. Texas cottage food operators may sell directly to consumers at their home, farmers markets, festivals, pop-up events, and online with delivery. Permitted foods include baked goods that are not time-temperature control for safety (non-TCS), such as breads, cookies, cakes without whipped cream or cream cheese frosting, candies, dried herbs, roasted coffee, popcorn, pickles, jams, jellies, fruit butters, sauces containing acidic ingredients, and fermented vegetable products that meet specific pH standards.
Foods requiring refrigeration (cream-filled pastries, meat products, most dairy) are not permitted. A current food handler certificate from an accredited program is required. Products must be labeled with the operators name and address, the statement This food is made in a home kitchen and is not inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department, allergens, and common name. Annual gross receipts are capped at 50000 dollars. Wholesale to restaurants or retail stores is prohibited. Contact the TX DSHS for program guidance.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the cottage food law such as selling prohibited foods, wholesaling, improper labeling, or exceeding the revenue cap are enforced primarily by the TX Department of State Health Services. Serious food safety violations can result in loss of cottage food privileges and state enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell baked goods from my Mansfield home?
Do I need a permit for cottage food in Mansfield?
Can I sell cottage food to a Mansfield restaurant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mansfield
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Mansfield to another location·View the Texas home business overview
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Cottage Food Operations in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Tarrant County handle cottage food operations.