Maine Cottage Food
Label Requirements
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Regulated by: Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Artisan Sourdough
NET WT 16oz (454g)
INGREDIENTS: FLOUR (WHEAT), WATER, SALT, YEAST.
Contains: Wheat.
Required Maine Disclaimer:
"Keep Refrigerated at 38F or Below"
1234 Main St, Maine
At a Glance: Maine Rules
The key constraints for your cottage food business.
Registration Cost
$20 annually.
Annual Sales Limit
Unlimited
Where can you sell?
Typically Allowed
Usually Prohibited
Regulatory Freedom Score
Business FriendlyMaine has a High Freedom Score (10/10). Unlike stricter jurisdictions, Maine empowers makers with Unlimited and allows broad sales channels. However, it requires a physical home address on all public labels.
Address Privacy
Official Rule
City/State/Zip
Your full physical home address must appear on every product label.
The "Verbatim" Trap
To sell legally in Maine, your label must include specific phrasing exactly as written in the statute.
[Standard]
"Keep Refrigerated at 38F or Below"
*Peppery auto-inserts this text.
Products sold directly to a consumer from the home do not require a label. Requirements apply when selling at farmers markets, wholesale, or outside the municipality (Chapter 345).
- State vs. Local: This guide covers Maine 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 Maine compliance.
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Our engine auto-formats your label to meet all Maine requirements instantly.
Auto-Generate Label"Scaling my business to the Maine limit meant my labeling had to be professional. Peppery ensures I don't get dinged by health inspectors as I grow."
Market Vendor in Maine
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Maine cottage food laws.
What foods can I sell from home in Maine?
Yes, Maine allows specific cottage foods, but only if they are non-TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) and meet strict labeling requirements. Common approvals include Baked goods, jams, jellies, pickles (with lab test), salsas (with lab test)., 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 Maine?
The cap is Unlimited annually for direct sales. However, calculating this limit can vary based on gross vs. net sales revenue definitions in Maine statutes. See our guide for tracking compliance.
Can I sell cottage food online in Maine?
Online sales regulations in Maine are complex. Online: Yes. Shipping: Yes. Wholesale: Yes. However, shipping across state lines is generally prohibited. Check our guide for specific delivery zone restrictions.
What are the cottage food label requirements for Maine?
Labels in Maine 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: 'Keep Refrigerated at 38F or Below'.
Can I hide my home address on labels in Maine?
No. Currently, Maine cottage food laws require the physical address of the kitchen to be listed on the label. P.O. Boxes are typically not accepted.