Montgomery County, MD Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

Under Maryland Health-General Article 21-330 (Cottage Food Business), residents of Montgomery County may produce and sell certain non-potentially-hazardous foods from their home kitchens without a food establishment license. Permitted products include baked goods, candy, jams, jellies, fruit butter, dried herbs, and similar shelf-stable items. Potentially hazardous foods requiring refrigeration such as dairy, meat, and cut fruit are excluded. Annual gross sales are capped at $25,000. Each product must be labeled with the producer name, home address, date of production, ingredients list, allergen information, and the statement: This product was made in a home kitchen that is not subject to Maryland food safety regulations. Sales may occur at farmers markets, roadside stands, community events, and directly to consumers. Online ordering is allowed but products must be delivered in person. Montgomery County does not impose additional permitting requirements beyond the state law, though the home kitchen must comply with residential zoning provisions for home occupations if regular sales occur from the premises.