IL Cottage food law
Illinois cottage food law
Illinois cottage food operations (Home-to-Market Act / Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act). Administered by Illinois Department of Public Health; your local health department registers operations.
- Permit
- Yes. Register with the local health department where you live.
- Sales cap
- IDPH's page doesn't state a sales cap.
- Where you can sell
- Directly to consumers, by the owner, a family member or an employee. Not for resale and not in retail food establishments.
Confirm with Illinois Department of Public Health. This is a summary of the official guidance listed under Sources, checked September 29, 2026. Official page
What you can make
Foods allowed under IDPH's Cottage Food Guide; some products (canned tomatoes, acidified and fermented foods) have extra requirements.
What you can't
Certain foods and ingredients listed in IDPH's Cottage Food Guide.
Label requirements
- Package and label with ingredients and allergens (see IDPH's Cottage Food Labeling Checklist)
Outgrowing your home kitchen
We list 19 rentable commercial kitchens in Illinois, including Chicago. See Illinois kitchens.
Questions people ask
Do I need a permit to sell food from home in Illinois?
Yes. Register with the local health department where you live.
How much can I sell under Illinois's cottage food law?
IDPH's page doesn't state a sales cap.
Where can I sell cottage food in Illinois?
Directly to consumers, by the owner, a family member or an employee. Not for resale and not in retail food establishments.
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; we list 19 rentable kitchens in Illinois.
Sources
Last checked September 29, 2026.