Frequently Asked Questions

Salsas, quesos, pepper jelly, and other similar condiments are not Cottage Food eligible products and require a license to be produced and sold at Michigan farmers markets.

According to MSU Extension,

“Before licensing can occur with a shelf-stable product like these, a process authority review (PAR) must be conducted to determine whether the product’s pH (acidity level) will prevent the bacteria that causes botulism. To begin this process, a processor must submit their standardized recipe and process to a process authority for review and testing.

Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s Product Center works with Michigan companies on behalf of the process authority to coordinate recipe review and product testing. This process generally takes 1-3 months depending on the product and responsiveness of the food processor. The MSU Product Center can assist you with this process and quote you the fee associated with your product(s).”

Tinctures are substances made by dissolving a product, such as an herb, into alcohol and designed to be ingested. This is similar to a flavoring extract, such as vanilla, but tinctures typically advertise health claims and information about the dose to be consumed directly. Tinctures are not allowed to be sold under Michigan Cottage Food Law.

If you make any health claims or offer dosage information, the product may be considered a dietary supplement.

According to MDARD, “Dietary supplements are products such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs that claim to promote wellness. Dietary supplements are classified as food in the Michigan Food Law. That means firms must obtain a food establishment license in order to manufacture, hold, pack, label, distribute, or sell dietary supplement products.”

Lard is an animal product and would require a food license to be rendered and sold. The rendering would need to take place in a commercial kitchen and you must have a license with MDARD at that kitchen to process and sell the product.

No, simple syrups are not eligible to be sold under Michigan Cottage Food Law.

Simple syrups are considered Time/Temperature Controlled for Safety (TCS) because there are so many variables in the product that they can’t all be classified under one consistently safe standard.  If you want to see if your products are not TCS, we recommend reaching out to the MSU Product Center for consulting.

Tinctures are substances made by dissolving a product, such as an herb, into alcohol and designed to be ingested. This is similar to a flavoring extract, such as vanilla, but tinctures typically advertise health claims and information about the dose to be consumed directly. Tinctures are not allowed to be sold under Michigan Cottage Food Law.

If you make any health claims or offer dosage information, the product may be considered a dietary supplement.

According to MDARD, “Dietary supplements are products such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs that claim to promote wellness. Dietary supplements are classified as food in the Michigan Food Law. That means firms must obtain a food establishment license in order to manufacture, hold, pack, label, distribute, or sell dietary supplement products.”

No license is needed to sell extracts for flavoring, and they are eligible to be sold under Michigan Cottage Food Law.

Please note that flavoring extracts are different than tinctures, which have different requirements.

Raw milk is not permitted to be sold at Michigan farmers markets.

In Michigan, herd shares are the only legal way to sell raw milk. Raw milk should not be brought to or picked up at the farmers market. Advertising the availability of herd shares at the farmers market is technically allowable, but not advised.

No, no license is required to sell cut flowers from perennial or annual plants.

A Wild Mushroom Expert Certification is required, and the sale of wild foraged mushrooms is regulated by the MDARD Food and Dairy Division.

No. Cottage Food Law applies to human grade food only for human consumption. Dog treats and pet feed require a Commercial Feed License to be sold. Once licensed, they must also comply with labeling and other requirements.

Pulling items out of a display case and putting them into an individual package is an act of packaging. Cottage Food vendors are expected to do all packaging in their home kitchens.

Licensed vendors, depending upon their license, may be able to do some packaging on-site as an extension of their licensed facility.