Eligibility

Before listing your products for sale, it's important to first ensure that you're eligible to sell from your home in compliance with your state's food laws. This means verifying that your food items meet the requirements of the Cottage Foods Act or other applicable regulations, and that you have the necessary licenses, certificates, and permits. Be sure to check with your local health department or regulatory authorities to confirm that your home kitchen or production process meets all health and safety standards. Taking these steps will help ensure that you're operating legally and safely.

Cottage Food Act

The Cottage Food Act is a set of laws in the United States that allows individuals to prepare and sell low-risk foods from their homes without needing to operate in a commercial kitchen or obtain the same level of licensing required for larger food businesses. The goal of the Cottage Food Act is to promote small, local food production, often by home-based entrepreneurs, while ensuring that the food sold is safe for consumers.

Eligibility is determined on a state-by-state basis. You must:

  • Reside in a state that has a Cottage Food Act law
  • Complete a certification course

Select the state you reside in to learn more about your Cottage Food Act laws:

Farm Fresh

Sell fresh, local goods from your farm directly to your customers. Whether you have a farm stand, or a CSA program, Cuina is built to accommodate your dynamic needs. To get started, it’s important to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations to operate smoothly and legally. Farmers must verify that your farm’s location allows for commercial sales under local zoning laws and secure any necessary permits if required. Additionally, all products must meet applicable health and safety standards, such as proper handling, storage, and labeling, especially for perishable or processed items. By following these guidelines, you can confidently list your products on Cuina and share your harvest with your community.

Commercial Kitchen Share

If you rent a commercial kitchen to create your goods, our marketplace is the perfect place to connect directly with customers and grow your business. We welcome small-batch producers who are personally involved in crafting their products in shared or rented commercial kitchens. To maintain quality and trust, we do not allow mass-produced goods from large-scale commercial facilities. All sellers must ensure their products comply with local, state, and federal food manufacturing laws and regulations.