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.
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See how Reading's cottage food operations rules stack up against other locations.
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