Nebraska Cottage Food Law and Home Sales

Neb. Rev. Stat. 81-2,280 (the Cottage Food Act) lets individuals produce and sell foods such as baked goods, jams, jellies, dry mixes, and high-acid canned goods from home, at farmers markets, or at community events. LB262 (2024) expanded the law to allow certain refrigerated or temperature-controlled foods, such as cheesecakes, cream pies, hummus, and pesto, if delivered in person by the producer within limited transport times. Meat, poultry, and fish remain prohibited. Producers must register with the Department of Agriculture and label products with name, address, ingredients, allergens, and a home-prepared, uninspected disclaimer. Annual sales are not capped, but sales must be direct to the end consumer.

Selling prohibited products, failing to label, or operating without registration may trigger Department of Agriculture enforcement, embargo of products, and civil fines.