Salt Lake County, UT Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Utah operates a relatively permissive cottage food program under Utah Code 4-5a and UDAF rule R70-560. Allowed products are non-potentially-hazardous (shelf-stable) foods including baked goods without cream or custard fillings, jams and jellies, candy, dry mixes, roasted coffee, granola, popcorn, dried herbs, and similar items. Prohibited products include meat, poultry, fish, dairy, low-acid canned goods, fermented foods (with limited exceptions for sauerkraut and similar), and any pH-sensitive or TCS (time/temperature controlled for safety) foods. Producers must register annually with UDAF and complete a food handler certification. The home kitchen does not require routine state inspection, but must maintain sanitary practices, and UDAF reserves the right to inspect in response to complaints. Sales are direct to consumer only (home pickup, farmers markets, festivals, online order with local delivery); sales to grocery stores, restaurants, and wholesale buyers are not permitted under cottage food and require a commercial food establishment license. Labels must include the producer name, address, registration number, ingredients, allergen statement, and the specific cottage food disclaimer: This product is home produced and processed and the production area has not been inspected by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Gross annual sales are not capped under the current Utah program, unlike some states. Salt Lake County still requires a home occupation business license on top of UDAF cottage food registration.