Iowa Statewide Rule

Iowa Cottage Food Law Under Code Chapter 137D

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across Iowa (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: Iowa Code Chapter 137D
Cottage food license: Exempt (non-TCS foods)
TCS/refrigerated foods: Need home food processing license
License cost / sales cap: ~$50/year; $50,000 sales cap
Regulator: Iowa DIAL

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Iowa Legislature

Summary

Iowa Code Chapter 137D exempts cottage food, non-time/temperature-controlled foods made at home, from licensing and inspection. Refrigerated or TCS foods instead require a home food processing establishment license from DIAL.

1. Cottage food is exempt from all licensing, permitting, inspection, packaging, and labeling laws of the state if the food is sold and delivered by the producer directly to the consumer, or delivered by mail or an agent of the producer such as an employee. A producer may sell food to the consumer in person, remotely, by telephone, by internet, or by an agent of the producer.

Source: Iowa LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Iowa Code Chapter 137D (Home Food Processing Establishments), cottage food means food produced at a private residence that is not time/temperature control for safety food, including baked goods, jams, and properly acidified canned items. Cottage food is exempt from state licensing and inspection but must be labeled with the producer's name and address, ingredients, an exemption statement, and any canning date. Foods needing refrigeration (TCS) require a home food processing establishment license (about $50 per year, a $50,000 annual sales cap, food-safety training, and periodic inspection). DIAL administers the program statewide.

Violations & Penalties

Selling TCS foods without a home food processing establishment license, omitting required labels, or exceeding the sales cap can trigger enforcement and licensing requirements under Chapter 137D.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a city require a separate cottage food permit on top of state law?

Iowa Code Chapter 137D exempts cottage food from food establishment licensing. Cities apply zoning and home-occupation rules but cannot require food-establishment licensing for compliant cottage operations.

What foods are off-limits under the Iowa cottage food exemption?

Time/temperature control for safety foods, such as meat, dairy, cut tomatoes, garlic-in-oil, and most cream-filled items, fall outside the exemption and need a home food processing establishment license.

Do I need to label cottage food products?

Yes. Chapter 137D requires the producer's name and address, product description, ingredients in descending order, an exemption statement, and a canning date for home-canned items.

Sources

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