Raleigh, NC Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

North Carolina's Home Processor Program, administered by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) Food and Drug Protection Division under the authority of NC Gen Stat Sec 106-267, is the state's version of a cottage food law. Unlike states with strict self-certification caps, NC requires every home processor to pass a free kitchen inspection by an NCDA&CS field agent before selling any product. Approved low-risk items include baked goods (breads, cookies, cakes without perishable fillings), jams and jellies using tested recipes, candies, dried herbs, granola, honey, and acidified foods like pickles made with a certified Better Process School recipe.

Prohibited items are meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, cheesecakes, cream pies, custards, acidified sauces without a process authority letter, and any canned low-acid vegetable. There is no sales cap for home processors in North Carolina, which distinguishes it from states like California. Products must be labeled with producer name, address, ingredients in descending weight order, net weight, and the statement Not prepared in an inspected kitchen. Sales channels include direct to consumer at farmers markets, roadside stands, your home, online with in-person pickup, and shipping within NC. 7 home occupation limits (4 customer visits per day, 25 percent floor area). Wholesale sales to retailers require full commercial kitchen licensing.