Maryland Cottage Food
Label Requirements
Maximize your $50,000 allowance in Maryland without legal headaches.
Stop guessing. Generate FDA-compliant labels that automatically handle mandatory Maryland legal disclaimers, font sizes, and privacy rules.
Regulated by: Maryland Department of Health
Artisan Sourdough
NET WT 16oz (454g)
INGREDIENTS: FLOUR (WHEAT), WATER, SALT, YEAST.
Contains: Wheat.
Required Maryland Disclaimer:
"Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to Maryland's food safety regulations."
REG NO: 12345-AB
At a Glance: Maryland Rules
The key constraints for your cottage food business.
Registration Cost
Free.
Annual Sales Limit
$50,000
Where can you sell?
Typically Allowed
Usually Prohibited
Regulatory Freedom Score
Business FriendlyMaryland has a High Freedom Score (9.5/10). Unlike stricter jurisdictions, Maryland empowers makers with $50,000 and allows broad sales channels. Notably, it is a privacy-friendly state allowing the use of ID numbers on labels.
Address Privacy
Official Rule
Full Address
You can use a Registration ID instead of your home address on labels.
The "Verbatim" Trap
To sell legally in Maryland, your label must include specific phrasing exactly as written in the statute.
[Standard]
"Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to Maryland's food safety regulations."
*Peppery auto-inserts this text.
- State vs. Local: This guide covers Maryland 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 Maryland compliance.
Don't memorize this.
Our engine auto-formats your label to meet all Maryland requirements instantly.
Auto-Generate Label"I was hesitant to start selling in Maryland because I didn't know the rules about home addresses. Peppery's privacy toggle helped me navigate it and use my ID number instead."
Cottage Baker in Maryland
Verified User
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Maryland cottage food laws.
What foods can I sell from home in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland allows specific cottage foods, but only if they are non-TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) and meet strict labeling requirements. Common approvals include Breads, muffins, high-acid fruit jams, hard candy., 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 Maryland?
The cap is $50,000 annually for direct sales. However, calculating this limit can vary based on gross vs. net sales revenue definitions in Maryland statutes. See our guide for tracking compliance.
Can I sell cottage food online in Maryland?
Online sales regulations in Maryland are complex. Online: Yes. Shipping: Yes (In-state only). Wholesale: Yes (to retail stores, with review). However, shipping across state lines is generally prohibited. Check our guide for specific delivery zone restrictions.
What are the cottage food label requirements for Maryland?
Labels in Maryland 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: 'Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to Maryland's food safety regulations.'.
Can I hide my home address on labels in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland laws currently allow the use of a Registration Number or ID in lieu of a physical address to protect producer privacy.