NC Cottage food law
North Carolina cottage food law
NCDA&CS Home Processor program. Administered by North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS), Food and Drug Protection Division.
- Permit
- Yes, an inspection. You apply as a home processor; a Food Regulatory Specialist contacts you (typically in 8–12 weeks) to inspect. No permit is issued, but you get the inspection report and a Notice of Inspection.
- Sales cap
- NCDA&CS's page doesn't state a sales cap.
- Where you can sell
- Direct to consumers (pickup, delivery, events), farmers markets, retail stores, restaurants and distributors, and shipping by USPS or FedEx with labels.
- Training
- Acidified food producers may need an Acidified Food Course certificate.
Confirm with North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This is a summary of the official guidance listed under Sources, checked September 29, 2026. Official page
What you can make
Low-risk, shelf-stable foods that don't need refrigeration or freezing: baked goods, jams, candies, dried mixes, some liquids and sauces, acid and acidified foods, freeze-dried candies.
What you can't
Refrigerated or frozen items, low-acid canned foods, dairy, seafood, bottled water and juice, bakery products with cream fillings.
Label requirements
- Product name
- Manufacturer's name and address
- Net weight
- Complete ingredient list with allergens listed separately (required for self-service, wholesale and shipped products)
Outgrowing your home kitchen
We don't have North Carolina kitchen listings yet. If you run a commercial kitchen that rents time, add it for free.
Questions people ask
Do I need a permit to sell food from home in North Carolina?
Yes, an inspection. You apply as a home processor; a Food Regulatory Specialist contacts you (typically in 8–12 weeks) to inspect. No permit is issued, but you get the inspection report and a Notice of Inspection.
How much can I sell under North Carolina's cottage food law?
NCDA&CS's page doesn't state a sales cap.
Where can I sell cottage food in North Carolina?
Direct to consumers (pickup, delivery, events), farmers markets, retail stores, restaurants and distributors, and shipping by USPS or FedEx with labels.
What happens when I outgrow the cottage food law?
If you pass the sales cap or want to make foods the law excludes, you'll need a licensed kitchen. Renting time in a shared commercial kitchen is the usual next step.
Sources
Last checked September 29, 2026.