Minnesota Cottage Food Law

Required before selling, for every producer regardless of sales (Minn. Stat. § 28A.152, subd. 4). Producers complete training first, then register online with MDA, which mails a registration card with a unique registration number; the producer must show it to an inspector or market manager on request. MDA may take up to 30 days to process a registration, and a producer may sell once listed in MDA's license lookup. Registration expires March 31 each year. Fee: none for annual sales of $7,665 or less (Tier 1); $50 for $7,666 to $78,000 (Tier 2). An individual may organize the business as a business entity recognized by state law (subd. 1(c)).

Tier 1 ($7,665 or less): MDA's free online training course and exam, completed every year before registering (subd. 5(b)). Tier 2 ($7,666 to $78,000): a safe food handling course approved by the commissioner, up to eight hours, completed every three years while registered and again when moving from Tier 1 to Tier 2 (subd. 5(a)). MDA points Tier 2 producers to the University of Minnesota Extension course, offered online or in person for a fee, and says a certified food manager credential does not substitute.

Home-processed and home-canned pickles, vegetables, or fruits qualify when they have an equilibrium pH of 4.6 or lower or a water activity of 0.85 or less and are processed and canned in Minnesota (subd. 1(a)(2)). They may not be sold outside Minnesota (subd. 2(c)), and each container must show the canning date. MDA suggests commercial laboratories or a pH meter to verify a non-standard recipe. The MDA-linked non-potentially hazardous foods guidance lists items such as pickles, dilly beans, sauerkraut, kimchi, tomato salsa, barbecue sauce, and mustard as allowed when they meet the pH standard.

Registered producers may also sell baked or dehydrated treats for dogs and cats only (Minn. Stat. § 25.391). Unlike human cottage foods, pet treats may be shipped by mail or commercial delivery to the end consumer; MDA notes that other states may require a feed license or product registration.

One registration tier with a $30 annual fee for all registrants; the approved safe food handling course (up to eight hours, every three years) for all registrants; exempt food may be delivered by the person who prepared it, by mail, or by commercial delivery (MDA says shipping will be allowed within Minnesota); the $78,000 cap adjusted every two years for inflation using July 2025 as the base; eligibility defined as an individual, a sole proprietorship, a single-member LLC, or an LLC owned by two individuals residing at the same residence; and no exemption for a person who holds a food handler license under § 28A.04. MDA began implementation planning in 2026.

What is the revenue cap on Minnesota cottage food sales?

$78,000 in gross receipts per calendar year (Minn. Stat. § 28A.152, subd. 3). Above that, a food license is required. The $7,665 figure that often appears alongside it is not a second cap: it is the sales level at or below which the $50 registration fee is waived. The $78,000 cap is not currently adjusted for inflation; under the 2025 amendments, it will be adjusted every two years beginning August 1, 2027.

What is the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 in Minnesota?

Both tiers must register with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture before selling. Tier 1 producers have annual sales of $7,665 or less, pay no registration fee, and complete MDA's free online training and exam every year. Tier 2 producers have sales of $7,666 to $78,000, pay a $50 annual fee, and take an approved safe food handling course (University of Minnesota Extension, up to eight hours, fees apply) every three years. The food, labeling, and sales rules are the same for both. Starting August 1, 2027, the tiers merge: everyone pays $30 and takes the approved course.

Do I need to register with the State of Minnesota to sell cottage food?

Yes, every cottage food producer must, regardless of how little they sell. MDA says all individuals who want to make and sell foods under the Cottage Food Law must register before selling. Complete the training for your expected sales first, then register online; MDA mails a registration card with a registration number. Registration is annual and expires March 31. Only people who are not regularly engaged in selling food, such as an occasional bake sale for a charitable organization, are exempt.

Can I sell Minnesota cottage food online or ship it?

You can take orders online, but you cannot ship. Under current law (§ 28A.152, subd. 2), food delivered to a customer must be delivered by the person who prepared it, and internet sales must be delivered directly to the customer by that person; MDA guidance also allows an employee to be present for the sale or delivery. Customers can pick up at your home, a farmers market, or a community event, or you can deliver in person within Minnesota. Human cottage foods cannot go by mail or a shipping or delivery service until August 1, 2027, when delivery by mail or commercial carrier becomes legal (MDA says within Minnesota). Cottage pet treats may already be shipped.

Can I make pickles, salsa, hot sauce, or fermented foods under Minnesota cottage food?

Yes, as home-canned products. Minn. Stat. § 28A.152, subd. 1(a)(2) covers home-processed and home-canned pickles, vegetables, or fruits with an equilibrium pH of 4.6 or lower or a water activity of 0.85 or less, processed and canned in Minnesota. They may not be sold outside Minnesota, and each container must show the canning date. The MDA-linked non-potentially hazardous foods guidance lists pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi, tomato salsa, pepper sauce, barbecue sauce, and mustard as allowed when they meet the standard, and excludes refrigerator pickles and home-canned low-acid foods. MDA suggests laboratory testing or a pH meter for non-standard recipes.

What goes on a Minnesota cottage food label?

Your full name or registered business name; your registration number or your address; the date the food was made; the ingredients, including any major food allergens; and the statement "These products are homemade and not subject to state inspection." (Minn. Stat. § 28A.152, subd. 1(a)(1)(i) and MDA guidance). Any registered producer may use the registration number instead of an address. The same statement must also appear on a clearly legible sign at the point of sale and on any website where you sell.

What food safety training does Minnesota require?

All producers train before registering. Tier 1 producers ($7,665 or less in annual sales) complete MDA's free online training course and exam every year. Tier 2 producers ($7,666 to $78,000) complete a safe food handling course approved by the commissioner, up to eight hours, every three years and whenever they move up from Tier 1; MDA points to the University of Minnesota Extension course, offered online or in person for a fee. A certified food manager credential does not substitute.

What changes in Minnesota on August 1, 2027?

Amendments passed in 2025 (Laws 2025, chapter 34, article 5) take effect August 1, 2027. They create one registration tier with a $30 annual fee for everyone, require the approved safe food handling course for all registrants, allow exempt food to be delivered by mail or commercial delivery (MDA says within Minnesota), adjust the $78,000 cap every two years for inflation from a July 2025 base, and define who qualifies: an individual, a sole proprietorship, a single-member LLC, or an LLC owned by two individuals residing at the same residence. Until then, the current two-tier rules apply.