Cottage Food Law

The Alabama Cottage Food Law went into effect in 2014 and was revised in 2021. The law states that individuals can produce certain non-hazardous foods in their homes. The new law defines a cottage food as a non-potentially hazardous food that has been prepared in a person’s home and that does not require time or temperature control for safety. The law excludes products that use meat, poultry, or fish. The law does not address products for pets (i.e., dog food, dog treats), medical/health supplements for humans or pets (i.e., tinctures, pills), or products that contain more than 3 percent alcohol. Under ALCFL, the operator (you) must maintain certification of having attended and passed a food safety course approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). This course, given by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), is an approved course. The certificate you receive upon completion of this course is valid for three years.