Washington Cottage Food Laws

Comprehensive Guide to Washington Cottage Food Laws

This guide summarizes key requirements and practical steps for starting a cottage food business in Washington State under current law. It covers permitted foods, sales limits, licensing, inspections, labeling, and sales venues, based on official WSDA regulations and guidance.

Quick Facts

Overview / Introduction

Washington’s Cottage Food Law was enacted by the state legislature in 2011 (RCW 69.22.030) and is implemented via Chapter 16‑149 WAC.^ You must obtain a Cottage Food Permit to prepare low‑risk foods in your primary residential kitchen and sell them directly to consumers. (agr.wa.gov)

Sales Limits

• Gross sales may not exceed $35,000 annually. (agr.wa.gov) • Up to 50 “master products” are allowed; variations count as one product. (agr.wa.gov)

Licensing & Registration

• Cottage Food Permit costs $355 for a two‑year permit, nonrefundable once received. (agr.wa.gov)
• Application processing time: approximately 6–10 weeks. (agr.wa.gov)
• Required attachments: water supply testing, Food Worker Card(s), Master Business License, floor plan sketch, recipes/process description, equipment and sanitation plan, child & pet management plans. (agr.wa.gov)
• Amendments: At renewal, updating product list is free; outside renewal, $105 application processing plus $75 public health review; an additional $125 inspection fee may apply. (agr.wa.gov)

Training Requirements

• Food Worker Card is required for the applicant and any persons working in the operation; obtain via your local county health department (not third-party sites). (agr.wa.gov)

Home Kitchen Inspection

• A representative of WSDA will conduct an inspection of your home kitchen and storage/packaging areas prior to permit issuance. (agr.wa.gov)
• If inspection fails, you must correct issues and pay $125 for a reinspection. (agr.wa.gov)

Allowed Foods

Allowed “low‑risk” foods include: • Baked or fried goods (loaf breads, muffins, cakes, cookies, quick breads, tortillas, etc.) provided fruits/vegetables are incorporated into batter and oven‑baked, no requiring refrigeration. (agr.wa.gov) • Candies cooked on stovetop or microwave (e.g. fudge, caramels, nut brittles), using temperature monitoring. (agr.wa.gov) • Jams, jellies, preserves, fruit butters made following FDA standards (21 C.F.R. 150). (agr.wa.gov) • Dry spice/herb/tea/bread/soup/dip mixes from approved sources. (agr.wa.gov) • Small‑batch roasted coffee (non‑commercial countertop roaster). (agr.wa.gov)

Prohibited Foods

Not allowed under cottage food rules (often due to potential hazard or refrigeration needs): • Meat, poultry, fish products, raw seed sprouts, canned fruits or vegetables, pickles, salsas, cooked vegetable products, beverages, dairy (cheese, yogurt), fresh-cut produce, garlic-in-oil mixtures, juices, syrups, raw milk/cheese, alcohol-based products, freezer-dried fresh produce, dehydration at low temps without cook step, pet treats, frostings without appropriate sugar ratio, products requiring refrigeration. (agr.wa.gov)

Labeling Requirements

Labels must include:

• Business name and Cottage Food Permit number (address not required). (agr.wa.gov)
• Product name; variations must match permit exactly. (agr.wa.gov)
• Ingredient list, descending by weight; sub‑ingredients must be listed. (agr.wa.gov)
• Net weight or volume. (agr.wa.gov)
• Allergen declaration per federal law, e.g., “Contains: wheat, milk” or parentheses style. (agr.wa.gov)
• Statement: "MADE IN A HOME KITCHEN THAT HAS NOT BEEN SUBJECT TO STANDARD INSPECTION CRITERIA" (any case). (agr.wa.gov)
• Labels may be hand‑printed if clear, permanent ink, ≥11‑point type. (agr.wa.gov)
• For specialty or bulk items (e.g., wedding cakes), use ingredient sheets. (agr.wa.gov)

Where You Can Sell

• Direct to consumer only: home, farmers markets, craft fairs, public events, or from a retail location you operate—but not wholesale or consignment. (agr.wa.gov) • Allowed to advertise and take orders online, but no shipping or delivery via mail or courier; in-person handoff only. (agr.wa.gov) • Selling from a shop you lease is permitted if you sell your own correctly labeled products directly. (agr.wa.gov)

Sales Tax

Information on sales tax obligations is not specified in cottage food sources; operators should consult the Washington State Department of Revenue for up-to-date tax obligations. (agr.wa.gov)

Special Exemptions or Considerations

• Pet and child management plans are required if pets or children under six are present during operations. (agr.wa.gov) • Water source requirement: must use potable municipal or well water; if using a well, annual coliform testing is recommended. (agr.wa.gov) • Permit non‑transferable: must reapply if you move. (agr.wa.gov)

Getting Started

1. Review the permitted food types under Chapter 16‑149‑120 WAC. (agr.wa.gov)
2. Apply for a Cottage Food Permit: complete form, attach required items (recipes, labels, plans, worker card, business license, water test). (agr.wa.gov)
3. Submit payment ($355) and wait approximately 6–10 weeks for review. (agr.wa.gov)
4. Prepare your kitchen to meet cleanliness standards and schedule/undergo inspection by WSDA. (agr.wa.gov)
5. If inspection passes, receive permit and begin labeling and producing only approved products. (agr.wa.gov)
6. Renew permit every two years or amend product list at renewal free; otherwise pay amendment fees. (agr.wa.gov)

Official Resources

• WSDA Cottage Food homepage: contact info, overview. (agr.wa.gov)
• Cottage Food Permit details and application packet. (agr.wa.gov)
• WA Dept of Health for Food Worker Cards and local health jurisdiction contact. (doh.wa.gov)

Official Sources

This guide was compiled from the following official sources:

• agr.wa.gov
• agr.wa.gov
• agr.wa.gov
• agr.wa.gov
• agr.wa.gov
• doh.wa.gov