The Cottage Food Law/Home-to-Market Act allows operators to prepare certain food or drink items in their home kitchen and sell them at specific locations. Before beginning operation, cottage food operators must register with the local health department (in the county where the cottage food kitchen is located) by submitting documentation for approval and obtaining a certificate of registration.
This document list (links below) will help assure you are submitting the correct documentation. When completing an application, be sure to list all food items you’ll be preparing for the year. The items will be listed on your certificate of registration, and you are limited to offering the approved listed items. Note that we have up to thirty (30) business days to review applications and paperwork. Depending on the types of items prepared/offered, additional documentation may be required.
NOT Allowed |
Allowed |
Meat/poultry, fish, seafood, shellfish |
Jams, jellies, preserves, syrups |
Meals containing anything on the Not Allowed list |
Fruit butters, fruit pies, fruit pastries, fruit empanadas |
Dairy – except in a non-potentially hazardous baked good or candy |
Bread, tortillas, cookies, scones or other baked goods without frostings or cheese |
Eggs – except as an ingredient in a non-potentially hazardous food |
Dehydrated or dried fruits, vegetables, and spices (dried spices, herbal teas, fruit leathers, apple chips, etc.) |
Pumpkin pies, sweet potato pies, cheesecakes, custard pies/pastries, crème pies/pastries |
Roasted and/or ground coffee or nuts |
Garlic in oil or oil infused with garlic |
Candies and caramels |
Sprouts |
Allowed with Additional Documentation |
Cut leafy greens – except for cut leafy greens that are dehydrated, acidified, or blanched and frozen |
Salad dressings, vinegars and infused oils |
Tomato – cut or pureed fresh tomato, or dehydrated |
Cheesy bread or other baked goods containing cheese |
Melon – cut or pureed fresh melon, frozen cut melon, or dehydrated |
Fermented foods (kimchi, kraut, etc.) |
Mushrooms – wild harvested, non-cultivated |
Acidified fruits or vegetables (pickles, shrubs, hot sauces, relishes, condiments) |
Alcoholic beverages |
Cakes cupcakes and other baked goods with frostings and icings |
Kombucha |
Fresh cut fruit and vegetables (zucchini noodles, pasta salads with vegetables, fruit bowls, etc.) |
Low-acid canned food |
Canned tomato products |
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Vegan soups, vegan meals, or other heat-treated produce |
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Fresh-pressed juices or bottled drinks |
You cannot sell your cottage food items in retail locations like stores or in restaurants.
Alexander, Terrence Alexander's Primetime Seasonings & Rubs 1202 Alydar Drive Mahomet, IL 61853 Registered through December 31, 2023 |
Baines, Jeniece Niece's Pieces Brownies 200 S. Vine Street, Unit 142 Urbana, IL 61802 Registered through December 31, 2023 |
Exum-Howard, Larisha RiPoppedIt 301 E. Beardsley Avenue Champaign, IL 61820 Registered through December 31, 2023 |
Guenni, Orlando Tati's Bakery 3102 Palmer Drive, Apt. 107 Champaign, IL 61822 Registered through December 31, 2023 |
Hall, Brittany Fairytale Sweets 603 Silver Lake Court Savoy, IL 61874 Registered through December 31, 2023 |
Hubble, Rachelle Wild Mustang Bakery 1401 Brookhaven Drive Mahomet, IL 61853 Registered through December 31, 2023 |
Leuszler, Heidi Berries and Flour: Bakery & Harvest Goods 5207F N. Duncan Road Champaign, IL 61822 Registered through December 31, 2023 |
Mendoza, Thomas F & T Cupcakes 1107 N. Busey Avenue Urbana, IL 61801 Registered through December 31, 2023 |
Miller, Donna M. Handmade Thingamados 1810 Winchester Drive Champaign, IL 61821 Registered through December 31, 2023 |
Nelson, Stephanie Two Million Blooms 1001 N. High Cross Road Champaign, IL 61822 Registered through December 31, 2023 |
Pague, Linric Miki's Cakes and More 3807 Tallgrass Drive Champaign, IL 61822 Registered through December 31, 2023 |
Shane, DeAnna Creations by De 605 Rosewood Drive St. Joseph, IL 61873 Registered through December 31, 2023 |
Taylor, Sophia Peace, Love, & Cake 319 N. Sheldon St. Rantoul, IL 61866 Registered through December 31, 2023 |
Van Voorst, Jill DeLIXcious 2004-C Eagle Ridge Ct. Urbana, IL 61802 Registered through December 31, 2023 |
Wagle, Amy Jo Amy's Sweet Delights 202 W. Main Street Royal, IL 61871 Registered through December 31, 2023 |