Korey Chong
- Updated On
If you plan to sell homemade foods in Indiana, it’s essential to understand the Indiana cottage food law. This law governs which foods you can sell, how you sell them, and the safety measures you must follow. One of the most important requirements is completing an approved food safety training course and obtaining a food handler certificate.
Understanding Indiana Cottage Food Law
Cottage food refers to foods made in your home kitchen and sold directly to consumers. Each state sets rules for cottage food operations, specifying which types of food are allowed, who you can sell to, and how much revenue you can earn annually.
In Indiana, the law allows home-based producers to sell foods that are not potentially hazardous and do not require time or temperature regulation for safety, such as baked goods, honey, candy, and certain nuts and vegetables. Unlike restaurants or retail establishments, Indiana’s cottage food operators generally do not need a license or permit.
Approved Foods Under Indiana Cottage Food Law
Indiana’s cottage food law permits the sale of homemade foods that are considered safe at room temperature. Examples include:
- Baked goods: Cookies, cupcakes, fruit pies (excluding cream or pumpkin pies), bars, yeast breads, baguettes, and fruit breads
- Produce: Unprocessed fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, legumes
- Candy and Confections: Includes items such as caramels, fudge, chocolate-covered fruits, peanut brittle, bonbons, and buckeyes.
- Honey, sorghum, maple syrup and molasses
Indiana’s approved Home-Based Vendor foods are subject to specific state requirements. Because eligibility can depend on the type of food and how it is prepared, check the current Indiana Department of Health Home-Based Vendor guidance before selling a product that is not clearly included in the approved categories.
Meats and other high-risk animal products are generally not allowed under cottage food laws unless specific state rules apply.
How to Sell Cottage Foods
Indiana permits cottage food businesses to sell products directly to consumers through in-person sales, online sales, or mail order.
The state does not routinely inspect home kitchens, but the Indiana Department of Health can investigate complaints about unsafe food or potential foodborne illness outbreaks. Misbranding or improper labeling may also trigger inspections.
Food Safety Training Requirements
Indiana requires Home-Based Vendors to obtain a food handler certificate from an ANSI-accredited certificate issuer. The certificate must be available upon request by the Indiana Department of Health, a local health department, or an end consumer.
A food handler certificate demonstrates that you understand basic food safety principles, how to prevent foodborne illnesses, and safe food handling, storage, and hygiene practices.
AAA Food Handler offers ANAB-accredited food handler training that meets the accreditation requirement for Indiana Home-Based Vendors.
How to Get Your Food Handler Certificate
Earning a food handler certificate is simple:
- Enroll in an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited course – Providers like AAA Food Handler offer fully online training.
- Complete the training – Learn essential food safety practices, including proper handwashing, preventing cross-contamination, and safe storage.
- Pass the test – Most courses have a short multiple-choice assessment. You can often retest if needed.
- Download or print your certificate – Use this as proof that you’ve completed the required training.
Complete the required training and keep your food handler certificate available as proof of compliance. Check your certificate for its expiration date and renew your training as required.
Labeling Requirements Under Indiana Cottage Food Law
Each product you sell must include the following information:
- Business name and address
- Product’s common or usual name
- Production date
- Ingredients in descending order by weight
- Net weight or volume
- A statement in 10-point type:
“This product was prepared and packaged in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by the state department of health. Not for resale.”
If you sell products online, these labels must also be posted on your website for consumers to view. Proper labeling ensures consumers know what they are buying and allows authorities to trace the source of any potential foodborne illness.
Maintaining Compliance
To remain compliant under Indiana’s cottage food law, retake your food handler course every three years, ensure all food products are correctly labeled, follow safe food handling practices for every batch, and quickly respond to customer concerns or questions.
Maintaining your certificate and following these guidelines ensures you can legally operate your cottage food business without interruptions.
Bottom Line
Indiana’s cottage food law allows home-based entrepreneurs to sell low-risk foods directly to consumers without a license. Completing an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited food safety training course is required to protect your customers and comply with state regulations.
By earning your food handler certificate through AAA Food Handler, you learn essential food safety principles, gain a certificate accepted under Indiana law, and can start or maintain your cottage food business confidently.
