Washington Cottage Food
Label Requirements
Maximize your $35,000 allowance in Washington without legal headaches.
Stop guessing. Generate FDA-compliant labels that automatically handle mandatory Washington legal disclaimers, font sizes, and privacy rules.
Regulated by: Washington State Department of Agriculture
Artisan Sourdough
NET WT 16oz (454g)
INGREDIENTS: FLOUR (WHEAT), WATER, SALT, YEAST.
Contains: Wheat.
Required Washington Disclaimer:
"Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria."
1234 Main St, Washington
At a Glance: Washington Rules
The key constraints for your cottage food business.
Registration Cost
$355 (two-year permit).
Annual Sales Limit
$35,000
Where can you sell?
Typically Allowed
Usually Prohibited
Regulatory Freedom Score
RestrictiveWashington has a Restrictive Freedom Score (3.5/10). Regulations here are tighter than average, with a cap of $35,000. However, it requires a physical home address on all public labels.
Address Privacy
Official Rule
Physical address required.
Your full physical home address must appear on every product label.
The "Verbatim" Trap
To sell legally in Washington, your label must include specific phrasing exactly as written in the statute.
[Standard]
"Made in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria."
*Peppery auto-inserts this text.
- State vs. Local: This guide covers Washington 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 Washington compliance.
Don't memorize this.
Our engine auto-formats your label to meet all Washington requirements instantly.
Auto-Generate Label"The Washington labeling laws are incredibly confusing regarding font sizes. Peppery's auto-formatting saved me hours of reading statutes."
Home Baker in Washington
Verified User
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Washington cottage food laws.
What foods can I sell from home in Washington?
Yes, Washington allows specific cottage foods, but only if they are non-TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) and meet strict labeling requirements. Common approvals include Loaf breads, cakes (strict frosting rules), jams, jellies, spice blends., 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 Washington?
The cap is $35,000 annually for direct sales. However, calculating this limit can vary based on gross vs. net sales revenue definitions in Washington statutes. See our guide for tracking compliance.
Can I sell cottage food online in Washington?
Online sales regulations in Washington are complex. Online: Yes (Order only, in-person pickup/delivery). Shipping: No. 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 Washington?
Labels in Washington 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 in a home kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria.'.
Can I hide my home address on labels in Washington?
No. Currently, Washington cottage food laws require the physical address of the kitchen to be listed on the label. P.O. Boxes are typically not accepted.