Pennsylvania regulates home-based cottage food producers as Limited Food Establishments under the PA Department of Agriculture, requiring registration, inspection, and labeling for non-potentially hazardous foods sold direct to consumers.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Food Safety, registers home kitchens producing shelf-stable foods such as baked goods, jams, jellies, candies, and dry mixes under 3 Pa.C.S. Section 5721 and 7 Pa. Code Chapter 46. Operators must complete a Limited Food Establishment registration, pass an on-site inspection, follow labeling rules including business name, address, ingredients, and net weight, and may not produce potentially hazardous items like meats or cream-filled goods. Sales are allowed in-state at farmers markets, fairs, and direct retail.
Operating without registration may trigger embargo of products and fines up to $10,000 under the Food Safety Act. Mislabeling can lead to misbranding citations.
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