New York Home Processor Cottage Food Rules

Agriculture and Markets Law Article 20-C requires anyone selling processed food to obtain a state Article 20-C license, except for Home Processors who qualify for an exemption when producing approved low-risk foods such as baked goods, jams, and certain confections. The Department of Agriculture and Markets enforces labeling, ingredient, and inspection rules statewide. Local health departments cannot impose alternative food safety licensing on Home Processors, although municipalities retain zoning authority over the underlying use.

Selling non-approved foods or unlabeled products without the exemption can result in stop-sale orders, civil penalties under Agriculture and Markets Law Section 39, and revocation of the Home Processor status. Repeated violations may require full Article 20-C licensure with commercial kitchen inspection.