Washington Cottage Food Operations Permit Program

RCW 69.22 and WAC 16-149 establish the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) cottage food operations permit. Permitted foods include baked goods, jams, jellies, candies, dry mixes, and other shelf-stable items that do not require refrigeration. Operators must obtain a WSDA permit, complete an approved food safety course, label products with required disclosures including the cottage food disclaimer, and may sell up to $25,000 in gross annual sales. Sales are restricted to direct-to-consumer transactions within Washington. Local zoning still applies to home occupations, but food safety regulation is preempted by WSDA.

Operating without a permit, exceeding the sales cap, selling restricted foods, or failing to display required labeling can result in permit revocation, civil fines, and criminal misdemeanor charges under RCW 69.07.