Montana Cottage Food Law Statewide Standards

Passed in 2021, Montana's Local Food Choice Act allows producers to sell most homemade foods, including some refrigerated items, directly to informed end consumers without state or local licensing, inspection, or permit requirements. Sales must be direct (in-person, by phone, or online with in-state delivery), not through retailers or restaurants. Foods must be labeled with the producer's name, address, product name, and a notice that the product is homemade and not subject to inspection. Local governments cannot impose stricter licensing on covered transactions, although zoning rules for home occupations still apply.

Selling unlabeled cottage foods or through prohibited channels can trigger Department of Public Health and Human Services enforcement, including cease-and-desist orders and civil penalties.