New Jersey cottage food law: permit, cap and selling rules

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) defines cottage food products as non-TCS foods: foods that do not need time or temperature control for safety. NJDOH's examples include baked goods, candy, dried fruit, dry baking mixes, jams and preserves, granola, nut butters, popcorn, roasted coffee and dried tea.

Other non-TCS foods may be approved if you apply in writing. Raw, unprocessed honey is not a cottage food and needs no permit.

• TCS foods, which need time or temperature control for safety
• Pet food and dog treats, which NJDOH says cannot be made or sold under the cottage food rule
• Anything sold to a retail store or wholesale food establishment
• Decorating classes or other instructional events under the permit

Only New Jersey residents can apply. The application fee is $100, paid online, and it is non-refundable. NJDOH asks for form CFO-1, a Product Questionnaire for each product, filling and frosting, proof of water potability, and a Food Protection Manager Certificate. Review takes about 16 weeks with no expedited service.

The permit is valid for two years and cannot be transferred. If you move, you need a new permit and new labels. Adding products takes a new full application and another $100. Send renewals at least 45 days before your permit expires so it stays active during review.

NJDOH requires Food Protection Manager Certification, not a food handler card. It does not run the training itself.

NJDOH does not inspect home kitchens, but it may investigate if it learns you are preparing TCS food at home or during a foodborne illness outbreak. Contact your local zoning office first. NJDOH will not approve an application if local zoning prohibits a cottage food business in your home.

The cap is $50,000 in gross annual sales, counted before taxes and operating expenses. NJDOH's FAQ says permit holders are limited to $50,000.

NJDOH lists these places: your home, a consumer's home in New Jersey, a New Jersey farmers' market or farm stand, and a temporary retail food event. For events you need a temporary food permit from your local health department, and you may not prepare food on site.

You can advertise, take orders and process payments online. But NJDOH says you "are not allowed to send products through common carriers like USPS, FedEx or DHL" and products must be handed to the customer in person. Selling to stores or wholesale requires a commercial kitchen and a Wholesale Food-Cosmetic License.

Every packaged product needs a label. Use your full name, not just your business name. NJDOH's required statement says the food is prepared under N.J.A.C. 8:24-11 and that the home kitchen has not been inspected by the Department of Health. Copy the exact wording from NJDOH's page or your permit packet.

• The common name of the product
• Ingredients in descending order by weight
• A "Contains" allergen statement
• Your full name and business name, your permit number, and your town and "NJ"
• At a farmers' market, at least one tag per item and a display sign with your permit information

• Confirm you live in New Jersey and your zoning allows a home food business.
• Get a Food Protection Manager Certificate, not a food handler card.
• Test your water and keep the potability proof.
• File form CFO-1, a product questionnaire for each product, and the $100 fee.
• Plan for about 16 weeks of review.
• Print labels with your permit number and the required statement.
• Keep each year's sales under $50,000.

New Jersey allows online orders and payments but wants a person-to-person handoff. pickup.kitchen gives you yourname.pickup.kitchen with a menu and checkout, payments to your own Stripe account, and pickup windows where you hand over each order.

Delivery to a consumer's home in New Jersey is a listed place of sale. If you deliver yourself, the delivery tools plan the route and send it to your phone, with a photo at the door. Do not use USPS, FedEx or DHL.

Slots close when full, and order cutoffs keep a weekly drop within what you can bake. Your customer list holds every buyer. Free onboarding, pay as you use.

Checked November 2026 against the official New Jersey sources linked below. Laws change, so open the official page before you print labels or take your first order.

This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Check with your state and county before you sell.