Kansas Cottage Food Laws

Kansas Cottage Food Laws: Complete Guide for Home Bakers

Quick Facts

Welcome to your all-in-one guide for starting a cottage food business in Kansas! Whether you're dreaming of selling your homemade cookies or delicious jams, understanding the state laws can help you get started smoothly. Let's break down what you need to know.

Recent Changes & Pending Legislation

As of 2025, there have been no recent legislative updates. Kansas continues to regulate cottage food operations under the existing frameworks managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

What You Can Sell

You’re allowed to sell a variety of shelf-stable products:

• Baked Goods: Breads, cookies, cakes (without cream or cheese fillings), fruit pies
• Candies and Confections: Fudge, caramel corn, kettle corn, marshmallows
• Dry Goods and Mixes: Baking mixes, granola, nuts, trail mix
• Preserves: High-acid jams, jellies, and preserves
• Dried Items: Fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, pasta
• Others: Honey, nut butters, whole eggs

What You Cannot Sell

Certain products are not allowed to protect public health:

• Perishable Items: Cream or custard pies, cheesecakes, cream-filled pastries
• Low-Acid Foods: Canned goods, pickles, fermented foods
• Unsafe Foods Without Testing: Homemade chocolate (excludes fudge), frostings under 65% sugar
• Meat and Dairy: Unsafe except for hard cheeses aged 60+ days with a license

Sales Limits

Good news! There are no sales limits on how much you can earn through your cottage food business in Kansas.

Where You Can Sell

You have various options for selling directly to consumers:

• Farmers Markets and Events: Great places to connect with locals
• Roadside Stands: Sell right from your property
• Online: Reach a broader audience (ensure compliance with applicable laws)
• Shipping: Both in-state and out-of-state allowed (follow receiving state laws)

Licensing & Registration

You do not need a permit or license to sell exempt shelf-stable foods. However, if you plan to sell non-exempt products, you'll need to consider licensing and potential inspections.

Fees

No fees are required for exempt cottage food operations.

Kitchen Inspections

There are no mandatory inspections for authorized cottage food products. However, it’s essential to maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen environment.

Labeling Requirements

Every product must have a label including:

• Common Name of Product
• Name and Physical Address of Producer
• Ingredient List: In descending order by weight
• Net Weight or Volume: Recommended for clarity
• Allergen Warnings: Recommended for safety
• 'Made in a Home Kitchen' Statement: Recommended for transparency

Sample Label:

Chocolate Chip Cookies
Made by Jane Baker, 123 Home Lane, Kansas City, KS
Ingredients: Wheat flour, sugar, butter, chocolate chips, eggs, baking soda, vanilla extract, salt
Net weight: 12 oz
Contains: Wheat, Eggs, Milk
Made in a home kitchen

Training & Certification

No formal training is required, but taking a food safety course can be beneficial and may be encouraged by some markets.

Official Resources

For further information, check out these resources:

1. FDA Safe Food Handling
2. Kansas Department of Agriculture - Farmers Markets
3. Starting a Food Business in Kansas

FAQ

1. Can I sell homemade canned salsa? No, low-acid canned foods like salsa require specific testing and are not allowed under the cottage food exemption.

2. Do I need to label my products if selling online? Yes, all products must include proper labeling, regardless of the selling platform.

3. Is it permissible to sell my goods to local cafes? No, selling through retail outlets like cafes doesn’t fall under cottage food laws; direct-to-consumer sales only.

Embark on your cottage food journey with confidence, knowing you have what you need to succeed! Happy baking!