Illinois Cottage Food
Label Requirements
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Regulated by: Illinois Department of Public Health
Artisan Sourdough
NET WT 16oz (454g)
INGREDIENTS: FLOUR (WHEAT), WATER, SALT, YEAST.
Contains: Wheat.
Required Illinois Disclaimer:
"This product was produced in a home kitchen not inspected by a health department that may also..."
1234 Main St, Illinois
At a Glance: Illinois Rules
The key constraints for your cottage food business.
Registration Cost
$50 annually (statutory cap).
Annual Sales Limit
Unlimited
Where can you sell?
Typically Allowed
Usually Prohibited
Regulatory Freedom Score
Business FriendlyIllinois has a High Freedom Score (9.5/10). Unlike stricter jurisdictions, Illinois empowers makers with Unlimited and allows broad sales channels. However, it requires a physical home address on all public labels.
Address Privacy
Official Rule
Municipality or County where registered (Street address not required).
Your full physical home address must appear on every product label.
The "Verbatim" Trap
To sell legally in Illinois, your label must include specific phrasing exactly as written in the statute.
[Standard]
"This product was produced in a home kitchen not inspected by a health department that may also process common food allergens. If you have safety concerns, contact your local health department."
*Peppery auto-inserts this text.
Optional 'Illinois Grown' branding if applicable.
- State vs. Local: This guide covers Illinois state-level regulations only. Your local county or municipality may have stricter zoning, business licensing, or health ordinances.
- Tool Nature: Peppery is an automated compliance tool, not a law firm. This page provides information, not legal advice.
- Verification: Regulations change. Always verify specific labeling requirements with your local health authority before printing or selling.
Technical Checklist
Every requirement for Illinois compliance.
Don't memorize this.
Our engine auto-formats your label to meet all Illinois requirements instantly.
Auto-Generate Label"Scaling my business to the Illinois limit meant my labeling had to be professional. Peppery ensures I don't get dinged by health inspectors as I grow."
Market Vendor in Illinois
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Illinois cottage food laws.
What foods can I sell from home in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois allows specific cottage foods, but only if they are non-TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) and meet strict labeling requirements. Common approvals include Canned tomatoes, acidified foods (pickles/salsa with Safety Plan), fermented foods., but specific pH testing may be required for acidified foods. Use our free analysis tool to verify your recipe's compliance.
What is the sales limit for cottage food in Illinois?
The cap is Unlimited annually for direct sales. However, calculating this limit can vary based on gross vs. net sales revenue definitions in Illinois statutes. See our guide for tracking compliance.
Can I sell cottage food online in Illinois?
Online sales regulations in Illinois are complex. Online: Yes. Shipping: Yes (In-state only). Wholesale: No. However, shipping across state lines is generally prohibited. Check our guide for specific delivery zone restrictions.
What are the cottage food label requirements for Illinois?
Labels in Illinois generally require: 1) Name of the product, 2) Producer Name and Address, 3) Ingredients listed by weight, 4) Net Quantity (Dual Units), and 5) The mandatory disclaimer statement: 'This product was produced in a home kitchen not inspected by a health department that may also process common food allergens. If you have safety concerns, contact your local health department.'.
Can I hide my home address on labels in Illinois?
No. Currently, Illinois cottage food laws require the physical address of the kitchen to be listed on the label. P.O. Boxes are typically not accepted.