Can my city ban cottage food sales from my home?

Cities cannot impose food safety rules stricter than KRS 217.137, but local zoning may still restrict where home-based businesses operate within residential districts.

Do I need a permit to be a Home-Based Processor?

No state permit is required for Home-Based Processors selling approved low-risk foods, but Microprocessors must register with the Cabinet and complete an approved training course.

Kentucky Cottage Food Operations Law: Statewide Home Business Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: KRS 217.136-139
Regulator: CHFS Food Safety Branch
Label required: Yes, statutory disclaimer
Microprocessor course: UK Extension required
Sales venues: Direct to consumer

Full Breakdown

KRS 217.136 to 217.139 establish Kentucky's home-based food framework. Home-Based Processors may sell shelf-stable items like baked goods, jams, and dry mixes directly to consumers from the home, farmers markets, roadside stands, or certified farmers markets. Home-Based Microprocessors require Cabinet certification and a University of Kentucky food safety course to sell acidified or canned products. All products must carry a label stating 'Home-Based Processor: Not Subject to Kentucky's Food Safety Regulations.' Local health departments may not impose stricter standards on qualifying products, though local zoning still controls where the activity may occur.

Violations & Penalties

Selling unapproved products, missing labels, or operating as a microprocessor without certification can trigger embargo, fines, and loss of selling privileges under Cabinet enforcement.

Kentucky Home-Based Processor and Microprocessor Cottage Food Law

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

See something wrong?