Virginia Cottage Food
Label Requirements
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Regulated by: Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Artisan Sourdough
NET WT 16oz (454g)
INGREDIENTS: FLOUR (WHEAT), WATER, SALT, YEAST.
Contains: Wheat.
Required Virginia Disclaimer:
"NOT FOR RESALE - PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION"
+ 1 conditional statements
1234 Main St, Virginia
At a Glance: Virginia Rules
The key constraints for your cottage food business.
Registration Cost
Free (for exemption).
Annual Sales Limit
Unlimited
Where can you sell?
Typically Allowed
Usually Prohibited
Regulatory Freedom Score
ModerateVirginia has a Moderate Freedom Score (6.0/10). It strikes a balance with Unlimited, though some restrictions apply. However, it requires a physical home address on all public labels.
Address Privacy
Official Rule
Full physical address.
Your full physical home address must appear on every product label.
The "Verbatim" Trap
To sell legally in Virginia, your label must include specific phrasing exactly as written in the statute.
[Standard]
"NOT FOR RESALE - PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION"
[Conditional: If the product is honey.]
"WARNING: Do Not Feed Honey to Infants Under One Year Old"
*Peppery auto-inserts this text.
- State vs. Local: This guide covers Virginia 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 Virginia compliance.
Don't memorize this.
Our engine auto-formats your label to meet all Virginia requirements instantly.
Auto-Generate Label"The Virginia labeling laws are incredibly confusing regarding font sizes. Peppery's auto-formatting saved me hours of reading statutes."
Home Baker in Virginia
Verified User
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Virginia cottage food laws.
What foods can I sell from home in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia allows specific cottage foods, but only if they are non-TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) and meet strict labeling requirements. Common approvals include Candies, jams/jellies (high acid only), dried fruits, breads, popcorn., 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 Virginia?
The cap is Unlimited annually for direct sales. However, calculating this limit can vary based on gross vs. net sales revenue definitions in Virginia statutes. See our guide for tracking compliance.
Can I sell cottage food online in Virginia?
Online sales regulations in Virginia are complex. Online: No (Advertising only). Shipping: No. Wholesale: No. (Exemption Tier) However, shipping across state lines is generally prohibited. Check our guide for specific delivery zone restrictions.
What are the cottage food label requirements for Virginia?
Labels in Virginia generally require: 1) Name of the product, 2) Producer Name and Address, 3) Ingredients listed by weight, 4) Net Quantity (Must be located in the lower third (bottom 30%) of the label.), and 5) The mandatory disclaimer statement: 'NOT FOR RESALE - PROCESSED AND PREPARED WITHOUT STATE INSPECTION'.
Can I hide my home address on labels in Virginia?
No. Currently, Virginia cottage food laws require the physical address of the kitchen to be listed on the label. P.O. Boxes are typically not accepted.