Rogers, AR Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Homemade-food sales in Rogers are primarily governed by Arkansas state law rather than a city ordinance. The Arkansas Food Freedom Act (Act 1040 of 2021), codified at A.C.A. 20-57-501 et seq. and effective in 2021, allows individuals to make and sell non-time/temperature-control-for-safety (non-TCS) homemade foods - such as baked goods, candies, jams and jellies, dry goods, and similar shelf-stable items - directly to consumers without obtaining a permit or license from the Arkansas Department of Health and without kitchen inspection. Prohibited items include meat, poultry, seafood, and other TCS foods that must be kept hot or cold for safety. The law is broad on where sales may occur, allowing direct, online, mail-order, and retail sales, with no statutory sales cap. Products must carry a label identifying the producer (business name and address), the product, and ingredients, along with a statement that the product was produced in a private residence exempt from state licensing and inspection. Importantly, being exempt from a state health permit is not the same as being exempt from local rules: a Rogers resident producing cottage foods at home is still operating a home occupation and must comply with the city's Unified Development Code home occupation standards (floor-area limit, no outside employees, no exterior signage, no outside storage). Producers should check with the Rogers city clerk or planning office for any local business license or zoning requirements.