Guide · Labeling
Cottage food labeling requirements in Indiana
Informational only, not legal advice.
Indiana's cited rules list 8 labeling requirements for cottage food:
- Name and address of the producer (IDOH: the vendor's primary residence address; a PO Box does not meet the requirement)
- Common or usual name of the food product
- Ingredients in descending order by predominance by weight
- Net weight or volume by standard measure or numerical count
- The date the food product was processed
- In at least 10 point type: "This product is home produced and processed and the production area has not been inspected by the Indiana Department of Health. NOT FOR RESALE."
- A label for packaged food, or a sign for unpackaged food
- The label of each food product posted on the vendor's website
Source: Ind. Code ch. 16-42-5.3 (Home Based Food Products), Indiana Code 2026, § 16-42-5.3-5 · Verified Oct 21, 2026
Statement wording is from the current statute (amended by P.L.56-2023, which replaced "state department of health" with "Indiana Department of Health"); IDOH's 2025 handbook still prints the older "State Department of Health" wording. IDOH says allergen labeling is not required but highly encouraged, and that each packaged item needs a label.
Source: Ind. Code ch. 16-42-5.3 (Home Based Food Products), Indiana Code 2026, § 16-42-5.3-5 · Verified Oct 21, 2026
Indiana label questions
What statement has to be printed on a Indiana cottage food label?
In at least 10 point type: "This product is home produced and processed and the production area has not been inspected by the Indiana Department of Health. NOT FOR RESALE."
Source: Ind. Code ch. 16-42-5.3 (Home Based Food Products), Indiana Code 2026, § 16-42-5.3-5 · Verified Oct 21, 2026
Can I use a sign instead of a label in Indiana?
A label for packaged food, or a sign for unpackaged food
Source: Ind. Code ch. 16-42-5.3 (Home Based Food Products), Indiana Code 2026, § 16-42-5.3-5 · Verified Oct 21, 2026