York County, PA Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)
Key Facts
- Regulator
- PA Dept. of Agriculture, not county
- Program name
- Limited Food Establishment
- Allowed foods
- Non-hazardous, no refrigeration needed
- Registration fee
- $35
- Apply
- At least 60 days before operating
Summary
Pennsylvania has no cottage-food law and no county rule. Home food sellers register with the state as a "Limited Food Establishment" through the PA Department of Agriculture, which inspects the home kitchen. Only non-hazardous, shelf-stable foods are allowed.
The Department's Limited Food Establishment program registers home-based and noncommercial food production sites that meet specific guidelines. These kitchens can only make non-hazardous foods that do not require refrigeration of the finished product.
Full Breakdown
York County does not regulate home food businesses; the PA Department of Agriculture does, through its Limited Food Establishment program. The program registers home-based and noncommercial food-production sites that meet its guidelines. These kitchens can only make non-hazardous foods that do not require refrigeration of the finished product, such as breads, cookies, candies, jams, and dry mixes. Registration costs $35, applications are due at least 60 days before operating, and the Department inspects the site routinely. Pets are never allowed in the food-production areas of the home.
Violations & Fines
Selling home foods without registration or making prohibited refrigerated items can lead to Department of Agriculture enforcement, embargo of product, and denial or revocation of registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell homemade baked goods in York County?
Is there a sales limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in York County
Compare York County to another location·View the Pennsylvania home business overview
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