Answers to Common Questions
Determine if you are eligible to register for this license exemption. This includes verifying the food you plan to make is non-potentially hazardous and that your local city, county, or township does not have home sales prohibitions due to zoning requirements. The MDA online training (insert link) may be helpful to review to verify eligibility.
Determine if you are eligible to register for this license exemption. This includes verifying the food you plan to make is non-potentially hazardous and that your local city, county, or township does not have home sales prohibitions due to zoning requirements. The MDA online training (insert link) may be helpful to review to verify eligibility.
If you are eligible, complete the training and exam for Cottage Food Producer Registration. Your training and exam requirements will depend on your expected gross annual sales.
- If your sales are expected to be less than $5,000 per year, take the MDA Tier 1 training (insert link) and exam (insert link).
- If your sales are expected to be more than $5,000 per year, take the Tier 2 training through the University of Minnesota Extension Food Safety Program before registering with MDA. This course can be taken online or in-person. Find training information here: (insert link)
If you are eligible, complete the training and exam for Cottage Food Producer Registration. Your training and exam requirements will depend on your expected gross annual sales.
- If your sales are expected to be less than $5,000 per year, take the MDA Tier 1 training (insert link) and exam (insert link).
- If your sales are expected to be more than $5,000 per year, take the Tier 2 training through the University of Minnesota Extension Food Safety Program before registering with MDA. This course can be taken online or in-person. Find training information here: (insert link)
After passing the exam, complete the online cottage food producer registration. Click on “I need to apply for a new license”, then choose “Cottage Foods Producer Registration” from the dropdown menu.
To register through the mail, request a paper application and training by emailing MDA.CottageFood@state.mn.us or calling 651-201-6062. Please leave a detailed message, including your first and last name and mailing address.
After passing the exam, complete the online cottage food producer registration. Click on “I need to apply for a new license”, then choose “Cottage Foods Producer Registration” from the dropdown menu.
To register through the mail, request a paper application and training by emailing MDA.CottageFood@state.mn.us or calling 651-201-6062. Please leave a detailed message, including your first and last name and mailing address.
