Cottage Food Law /US
A structured reference to state cottage food rules

Guide · Labeling

Cottage food labeling requirements in Maryland

Informational only, not legal advice.

Maryland's cited rules list 9 labeling requirements for cottage food:

  1. Prepackaged with a label, stored on the premises of the cottage food business
  2. Name and address of the cottage food business (not a P.O. box), or the business name and phone number plus the MDH-assigned identification number
  3. Name of the cottage food product
  4. Ingredients in descending order of the amount of each ingredient by weight (MDH: including sub-ingredients)
  5. Net weight or net volume (MDH also accepts count)
  6. Allergen information as specified by federal labeling requirements
  7. Nutritional information as specified by federal labeling requirements, if any nutritional claim is made
  8. In 10 point or larger type in a color that clearly contrasts with the label background: "Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to Maryland's food safety regulations."
  9. For products sold at a retail food store: the business's phone number and email address, and the date the product was made

Source: Md. Code, Health–General § 21-330.1(c) · Verified Oct 21, 2026

Same requirements in COMAR 10.15.03.27C(1)(c). The P.O. box rule, sub-ingredients, count, and the rule that the statement must be worded exactly as in the regulations are from the MDH FAQ (#11, #12). MDH's guidelines say all labels must be in English. The phone number must let MDH reach the business within 24 hours and the email within 48 hours (COMAR 10.15.03.27C(8)–(9)).

Source: Md. Code, Health–General § 21-330.1(c) · Verified Oct 21, 2026

Maryland label questions

What statement has to be printed on a Maryland cottage food label?

In 10 point or larger type in a color that clearly contrasts with the label background: "Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to Maryland's food safety regulations."

Source: Md. Code, Health–General § 21-330.1(c) · Verified Oct 21, 2026

Does a Maryland cottage food label need allergen information?

Allergen information as specified by federal labeling requirements

Source: Md. Code, Health–General § 21-330.1(c) · Verified Oct 21, 2026

Do Maryland cottage foods need a nutrition facts panel?

Nutritional information as specified by federal labeling requirements, if any nutritional claim is made

Source: Md. Code, Health–General § 21-330.1(c) · Verified Oct 21, 2026

Labeling rules in other states