North Chicago, IL Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

The Illinois Home-to-Market Act, 410 ILCS 625/4, took effect January 1, 2022 and dramatically expanded cottage food rules. Cottage food operators in Lake County must register with the Lake County Health Department (no fee in most cases) before selling, and products must be labeled with producer name, address, date, ingredients, allergens, and the statement: 'This product was produced in a home kitchen not subject to public health inspection that may also process common food allergens.' Allowed products include baked goods, jams, jellies, fruit butters, candies, dried herbs and spices, granola, dry baking mixes, roasted coffee, dried pasta, and certain fermented foods. Acidified foods and low-acid canned goods require product testing. Annual gross sales cap is $36,000, raised by CPI. Direct-to-consumer sales only, including farmers markets, pickup, delivery, and online sales within Illinois. Potentially hazardous foods requiring refrigeration are excluded. Food allergen awareness training is encouraged; specific training required for certain product categories.