What Is a Cottage Food Disclosure Statement and What Does It Say?
Most states require cottage food products to carry a disclosure statement on their label informing buyers that the product was made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by state or local food safety authorities. This statement is designed to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and is a non-negotiable part of cottage food compliance in most jurisdictions. This guide explains what the disclosure statement says, where it goes, and how to get it right.
Last updated: July 2026
What a Cottage Food Disclosure Statement Is
A cottage food disclosure statement is a required label declaration that notifies the consumer that the food product they are purchasing was produced in a private home kitchen rather than in a licensed, inspected commercial food facility. The statement acknowledges the home-production context and, in many states, explicitly notes that the kitchen has not been inspected by the state health department or department of agriculture.
The purpose of the disclosure is transparency: consumers have the right to know that the food they are buying has not been produced in a facility subject to routine government inspection and oversight. The disclosure does not imply that the food is unsafe; it simply provides information that a consumer can use when deciding whether to purchase.
What the Disclosure Statement Typically Says
While exact wording varies by state, most cottage food disclosure statements include language to the effect of "This product was made in a home kitchen that is not inspected by the state or local health department." Some states specify additional language, such as noting that the operation may also process tree nuts, common allergens, or other products. A few states include language about the cottage food law under which the product is sold.
Examples of state-specific language include Texas's requirement of "Made in a home kitchen that is not inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department," and California's requirement of "Made in a home kitchen. This food product may not meet public health standards for commercial food facilities." Always look up the exact required text for your specific state rather than borrowing language from another state or a generic template.
Where the Disclosure Statement Must Appear on the Label
Most states require the cottage food disclosure statement to appear on the label in a location where it is clearly visible to the consumer before purchase. Many states specify that the statement must be prominently displayed, which generally means it should not be buried in fine print or hidden on an obscure part of the package.
Some states require the disclosure to appear on the principal display panel, which is the part of the package most likely to be seen by a consumer at the point of sale. Others allow placement on the information panel.
The statement should be in a font size large enough to be easily readable. If your state specifies a minimum font size for the disclosure, follow that requirement exactly.
Penalties for Missing or Incorrect Disclosure Statements
Selling cottage food without the required disclosure statement can result in enforcement action from your state's department of agriculture or health department. Consequences can range from a warning and requirement to correct your labels to fines, product seizure, or revocation of any cottage food registration or permit you hold. In some states, selling non-compliant cottage food is a misdemeanor.
Beyond legal consequences, a missing disclosure statement undermines consumer trust and could expose you to civil liability if a customer later claims they were not adequately informed. Getting the disclosure statement right from the beginning is one of the simplest and most important steps you can take to protect your cottage food business.
Updating Your Disclosure Statement If Your State Changes Its Law
Cottage food laws are frequently amended as states respond to industry feedback and public health research. The required wording of disclosure statements can change when laws are updated.
Make it a habit to check your state's current cottage food statute at least once a year to confirm that your labels still comply with current requirements. State departments of agriculture often publish summaries of cottage food law changes on their websites.
If the law changes and your labels are no longer compliant, update them before selling additional products. Continuing to use outdated labels after a law change takes effect could leave you out of compliance even if your labels were correct before.
Common Questions
No. Each state sets its own required disclosure language, and the specific wording, placement requirements, and font size requirements vary.
Some states have very specific mandated text, while others describe the substance of what must be disclosed without specifying exact wording. Always consult your state's current cottage food statute or department of agriculture for the correct language for your state.
The disclosure statement should be clearly identifiable as a distinct label element and should not be buried within other text such as the ingredient list or marketing copy. Most states require it to stand on its own so that it is noticeable to consumers. It can appear on the same panel as other required label elements, but it should be clearly distinct and readable.
Yes. The labeling requirement, including the disclosure statement, applies to your packaged products regardless of the sales channel.
Even if you are handing a bag of cookies directly to a customer at your market table, the label on that bag must include the disclosure statement. The disclosure is a label requirement, not a point-of-sale verbal disclosure.
If your state requires a disclosure but does not mandate specific language, use clear, plain-language text that accurately describes the home-kitchen origin of your product and the absence of state inspection. For example, "Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the state health department" covers the key elements. When in doubt, call your state's department of agriculture and ask them to confirm that your proposed language satisfies the statutory requirement.
Get Your Cottage Food Disclosure Statement Right
Quickly Cottage automatically includes the correct state-specific disclosure statement language in your labels so you never have to worry about missing this critical requirement.