Pennsylvania has no separate cottage-food law. To sell home-produced non-hazardous foods, you register as a Limited Food Establishment with the PA Department of Agriculture, for $35, at least 60 days before operating.
In Berks County, selling homemade food is regulated at the state level by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, not the county. Instead of a cottage-food law, Pennsylvania registers home kitchens as Limited Food Establishments (LFEs). An LFE covers non-hazardous foods that do not require refrigeration of the finished product, such as baked goods, jams, and candies. You submit an application packet at least 60 days before operating, pay a $35 registration fee ($35 annual renewal), and pass a home-kitchen inspection. Pennsylvania sets no revenue cap and allows wholesale and interstate sales. Local zoning may still restrict a food business at home.
Selling regulated food without LFE registration violates the PA Food Safety Act and can bring Department of Agriculture enforcement, embargo of product, and civil penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Berks County's cottage food operations rules stack up against other locations.
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