The District’s Cottage Food Law makes it possible for District residents to prepare certain shelf-stable foods in their home kitchens and to sell those foods legally within the District.
The Cottage Food Expansion Amendment Act of 2019 (D.C. Law 23-61) has since been amended by the Certificate of Need Improvement Amendment Act of 2025 (D.C. Law 26-7), which went into effect on June 10, 2025. As a result, cottage food businesses may now sell approved cottage food products not only through traditional direct-to-consumer venues but also through wholesale channels to licensed retail establishments within the District. This represents a significant expansion of cottage food business opportunities, enabling cottage food producers to serve broader markets while still complying with applicable registration and labeling requirements.
Below is an overview of what is currently permitted under DC law:
What is a Cottage Food Business?
As defined by DC Code § 7-742.01 .02, a cottage food business produces or packages cottage food products in a residential kitchen, with total annual revenues from the sale of cottage food products. Additionally, before beginning operations, businesses must obtain a Cottage Food Business Registry Identification Number and Certificate from DC Department of Health (DOH).
What Are Cottage Food Products?
Cottage food products must be foods that do not require refrigeration for safety. Examples include:
- Baked goods (without cream, custard, cheese or meat fillings)
- Roasted coffee, whole beans or ground
- Cereals, trail mixes, and granola
- Shelf-stable candies
Where Can Cottage Food Products Be Sold?
Provided all requirements of § 7-742.02 and Department of Health regulations are met, cottage food products can be sold through the following channels:
- Direct-to-consumer sales (e.g. farmers markets, community events, home pickup)
- Retail sales
- Wholesale to licensed food establishments within the District
- Online sales within the District
How Do I Become a Registered Cottage Food Business?
To become a registered cottage food business in the District, the following documentation is required. Applicants may undergo a pre-operational inspection.
- A Home Occupancy Permit issued by DOB
- Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certificate
- DC-Issued Certified Protection Manager ID-Card, Issued by DC Health based on your CFPM Certification (valid at least three years from the date of exam)
- Submit a completed Cottage Food Business Registry Application online via the Division of Food Safety Portal or in person at DC Health at 2201 Shannon Place SE, Washington, DC 20020
- Submit an application review fee of $50.00 to DC Health in the form of check, money order, cash, or credit/debit. Make checks payable to DC Treasurer.
How Long Should the Application Review Process Take?
- DOH will approve or deny applications within thirty (30) business days of receiving a properly completed application.
- If approved, DOH may conduct a pre-operational inspection of the premises within fourteen (14) business days of approval.
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