Yes. Minnesota Statute 28A.151 (Farmers' Market or Community Event; Food Product Sampling and Demonstration) allows food sampling and cooking demonstrations at farmers markets and community events without a license. However, all requirements in the law must be followed.
The food product sample must be:
- A small portion of no more than 3 ounces of a food or beverage that includes as a main ingredient a product sold by the vendor.
- Provided to customers at no cost.
- Ingredients and foods used in the samples and demonstrations are obtained from sources that comply with Minnesota food laws.
- Raw animal, raw poultry, and raw fish products must not be served as samples.
- Food product sampling or demonstrations including cooked animal, poultry, or fish products must be prepared onsite at the event.
- Animal or poultry products used must be from animals slaughtered under continuous inspection, either by the USDA or through Minnesota's Equal-To inspection program.
- Signage that lists the food sample’s ingredients and major allergens is posted.
- Food samples can be pre-packaged prior to the event. Those offering pre-packaged food samples that are completely sealed to prevent bare hand contact with the food are not required to have a handwashing station at the event. A handwashing station is required when handling open food for sampling or cooking demonstrations.
NOTE - The same food safety requirements as a Special Event Food Stand apply to sampling and cooking demonstrations. More details about requirements can be found on University of Minnesota Extension's website.
No. Chocolate-covered fruit is not allowed to be sold as a cottage food (e.g., berries, pineapple, melon).
No. Chocolate-covered fruit is not allowed to be sold as a cottage food (e.g., berries, pineapple, melon).
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will send you a registration card in the mail with a unique registration number Keep your registration with you when selling food. An inspector or market manager may ask to see it and you need to show your registration when asked.
- You may check the status of your registration in the MDA's Licensing Information Search. Fill in the desired search terms (registration number, name, city, or county) and select COTTAGE FOOD PRODUCER REGISTRATION in the License Type list.
- Once you are listed you can sell your cottage food items, even if you have not yet received your registration card in the mail.
- It may take up to 30 days for your registration to be processed and displayed in the online system. Registration cards are mailed within one week of processing.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will send you a registration card in the mail with a unique registration number Keep your registration with you when selling food. An inspector or market manager may ask to see it and you need to show your registration when asked.
- You may check the status of your registration in the MDA's Licensing Information Search. Fill in the desired search terms (registration number, name, city, or county) and select COTTAGE FOOD PRODUCER REGISTRATION in the License Type list.
- Once you are listed you can sell your cottage food items, even if you have not yet received your registration card in the mail.
- It may take up to 30 days for your registration to be processed and displayed in the online system. Registration cards are mailed within one week of processing.
Some resources that cottage food producers find helpful are:
- Minnesota Cottage Food Producers Association
- University of Minnesota Extension - For Food Entrepreneurs
- University of Minnesota Extension - Cottage Food Office Hours
- Minnesota Farmers' Market Association - Cottage Foods Academy
- Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture
- AURI - "Ask an Expert" Office Hours
Some resources that cottage food producers find helpful are:
- Minnesota Cottage Food Producers Association
- University of Minnesota Extension - For Food Entrepreneurs
- University of Minnesota Extension - Cottage Food Office Hours
- Minnesota Farmers' Market Association - Cottage Foods Academy
- Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture
- AURI - "Ask an Expert" Office Hours
Products of the farm or garden are food products that you grow or raise on land that you “occupy and cultivate.” This could include items like fruits, vegetables, honey, maple syrup, meat, eggs, and poultry.
Under the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, Article 13, Section 7, a person may sell or peddle the products of the farm or garden occupied and cultivated by them without obtaining a license. You also do not need a Cottage Food Producer registration.
A Cottage Food Producer registration is needed if you want to make and sell certain foods from your home that are not considered products of the farm or garden, such as adding ingredients to your tomatoes to make a pasta sauce. Please refer to questions above for what foods are allowed under a Cottage Food Producer registration.
More detail can be found in MDA's Product of the Farm vs. Cottage Food fact sheet.
Please note that products of the farm or garden still must be handled in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, even though a license is not needed to sell them. Contact the Food and Feed Safety Licensing Liaison for more information, or visit MDA's Produce Safety Program website.
Products of the farm or garden are food products that you grow or raise on land that you “occupy and cultivate.” This could include items like fruits, vegetables, honey, maple syrup, meat, eggs, and poultry.
Under the Constitution of the State of Minnesota, Article 13, Section 7, a person may sell or peddle the products of the farm or garden occupied and cultivated by them without obtaining a license. You also do not need a Cottage Food Producer registration.
A Cottage Food Producer registration is needed if you want to make and sell certain foods from your home that are not considered products of the farm or garden, such as adding ingredients to your tomatoes to make a pasta sauce. Please refer to questions above for what foods are allowed under a Cottage Food Producer registration.
More detail can be found in MDA's Product of the Farm vs. Cottage Food fact sheet.
Please note that products of the farm or garden still must be handled in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, even though a license is not needed to sell them. Contact the Food and Feed Safety Licensing Liaison for more information, or visit MDA's Produce Safety Program website.
No. Most charcuterie boards contain meat and cheese. Because meat and cheese are not allowable cottage foods, a food license is required to make and sell charcuterie boards containing those products. Please contact the MDA's Licensing Liaison for more information at MDA.Licensing@state.mn.us.
