Milwaukee County, WI Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)
Key Facts
- County rule
- None
- State agency
- DATCP
- Sales cap
- Under $5,000/year
- Allowed foods
- pH 4.6 or lower
Summary
Milwaukee County does not regulate cottage food. Selling homemade foods is governed by Wisconsin state law and DATCP, including the Wis. Stat. 97.29 'pickle bill' exemption for home-canned high-acid foods sold under $5,000 per year.
The person sells only pickles or other processed vegetables or fruits with an equilibrium pH value of 4.6 or lower and receives less than $5,000 per year from the sale of the food products.
Full Breakdown
Cottage food is a state matter in Wisconsin, not a Milwaukee County one. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) administers the rules. Under the 'pickle bill,' Wis. Stat. 97.29 lets a person sell home-canned pickles and other processed fruits or vegetables with an equilibrium pH of 4.6 or lower without a food processing license, provided annual sales stay under $5,000 and sales occur at a community or social event or a Wisconsin farmers market. Each container must be labeled with the statement that the product was made in a private home not subject to state licensing or inspection. Separate DATCP rules allow certain home-baked goods. The county does not regulate cottage food.
Violations & Fines
Selling outside the exemption, exceeding the $5,000 cap, or omitting the required disclaimer label can draw DATCP enforcement, ordered sales stops, and civil penalties under state food law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Milwaukee County regulate cottage food?
How much can I sell?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee County
Compare Milwaukee County to another location·View the Wisconsin home business overview
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