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North Carolina

Last verified January 2025
No permit required

North Carolina allows the sale of non-potentially hazardous homemade foods without a state permit.

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Gross sales limit

Confirm with the NC Dept. of Agriculture.

What you can sell

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

What you can't sell

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

Where you can sell

Direct to consumer at farmers markets, stands, and from home.

Labeling requirements

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

Permits & registration

No permit required for low-risk cottage foods; confirm local rules.
Official source

Printable permit guides

Download a ready-to-print guide for North Carolina — 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 North Carolina.

In-depth guide for North Carolina

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

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Get notified when North Carolina 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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