Desoto County, MS Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

The Mississippi Cottage Food Operations Law codified at Miss. Code §75-34-1 permits residents to prepare and sell certain non-potentially hazardous foods from their home kitchens without Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) permit or inspection. Allowed products include baked goods, jams, jellies, candies, dried herbs, granola, and similar shelf-stable items. Potentially hazardous foods requiring temperature control (meats, dairy, cream-filled pastries, fresh salsa) are prohibited. Annual gross sales are capped at $35,000 — exceeding this requires a commercial kitchen and MSDH license. Products must be labeled with the producer's name and address, ingredients, allergens, net weight, and the disclaimer: 'Made in a Mississippi Cottage Food Operation and is not subject to Mississippi's food safety regulations.' Sales permitted direct-to-consumer at farmers markets, from the home, and via informal online orders with in-person pickup. No shipping across state lines. DeSoto County requires home-business zoning compliance — cottage food generally qualifies as a permitted home occupation with no customer traffic impact.