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Illinois

Last verified January 2025
Permit required

Illinois allows cottage food operations with a permit from the Department of Public Health for most sales.

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Gross sales limit

Confirm with the IL Dept. of Public Health.

What you can sell

  • Baked goods
  • Jams and jellies
  • Candy
  • Dried fruits and nuts
  • Granola and popcorn

What you can't sell

Meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, and potentially hazardous foods.

Where you can sell

Direct to consumer and limited indirect sales.

Labeling requirements

Producer name and address, ingredients, allergen statement, and 'Made in a home kitchen.'

Permits & registration

Cottage food license required from the IL Dept. of Public Health for most operations.
Official source

Printable permit guides

Download a ready-to-print guide for Illinois — take it to your inspector, keep it on file, or share it.

In-depth guide

A step-by-step permit pathway, sales-channel breakdown, and labeling checklist for Illinois.

In-depth guide for Illinois

Unlock a step-by-step permit pathway, sales-channel breakdown, and labeling checklist with Premium.

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New to selling?Read our labeling and food safety guide before your first sale.

Compare with another state

See how this state's cottage food rules stack up against any other.

Get notified when Illinois cottage food laws change

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Reference only. Laws change — always confirm with your state's agriculture or health department.

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