United States · TX
Texas
Cottage Food Production Operation
At a glance
- Administering agency
- Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
Source: Texas DSHS · Verified Sep 15, 2025
- Permit required
- No
No state permit or license; food handler training is required.
Source: Texas DSHS — Cottage Food · Verified Sep 15, 2025
- License cost
- None
No license fee; food handler course typically $7–$15 from accredited providers.
Source: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/food-establishments/cottage-food-production-operations · Verified Sep 15, 2025
- Annual sales cap
- $50,000
Source: Tex. Health & Safety Code Ch. 437 · Verified Sep 15, 2025
- Training required
- Yes
Accredited food handler course required.
Source: Texas DSHS — Food Handler Training · Verified Sep 15, 2025
- Home inspection
- No
Source: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/food-establishments/cottage-food-production-operations · Verified Sep 15, 2025
Permit details
- How it works
- Texas does not require a state license or permit to operate a Cottage Food Production Operation. Operators must complete an accredited food handler course.
Source: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/food-establishments/cottage-food-production-operations · Verified Sep 15, 2025
Allowed foods
- Allowed
- Baked goods (non potentially hazardous)
- Candy
- Jams, jellies, and fruit preserves
- Dried fruits and dried herbs
- Granola, cereal, trail mix
- Roasted coffee, dry tea
- Popcorn and popcorn snacks
- Pickles and acidified canned goods (with pH testing)
- Fermented vegetables (with pH testing)
- Frozen raw uncut produce
Source: Texas DSHS — Allowed Foods · Verified Sep 15, 2025
- Prohibited
- Meat and poultry products
- Fish and shellfish
- Raw seed sprouts
- Cut melons, cut tomatoes, cut leafy greens
- Foods requiring refrigeration (TCS foods)
- Juice and unpasteurized dairy
Source: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/food-establishments/cottage-food-production-operations · Verified Sep 15, 2025
Labeling requirements
- On every package
- Name and physical address of the cottage food production operation
- Common name of the product
- Ingredient list in descending order by weight
- Net weight or volume
- Allergen disclosure (FDA major allergens)
- Statement: "This food is made in a home kitchen and is not inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department."
Source: Texas DSHS — Labeling · Verified Sep 15, 2025
Sales channels
- Where you can sell
- In person: Yes
- Farmers market: Yes
- Online (in-state): Yes
- Online (out-of-state shipping): No
- Delivery (in-state): Yes
- Retail / wholesale resale: No
- Direct-to-consumer only. Interstate shipping is not authorized under Texas cottage food law.
Source: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/food-establishments/cottage-food-production-operations · Verified Sep 15, 2025
Caveats
- Cities and counties may impose additional zoning rules.
- Pickles, acidified, and fermented foods require pH testing documentation.
Official sources
- Texas DSHS — Cottage Food Production Operations · agency page
- Texas Health & Safety Code, Chapter 437 · statute
Page last reviewed: 2025-09-15