# Cottage food label requirements in Georgia

> Informational only, not legal or food-safety advice. Verify with Georgia Department of Agriculture, Food Safety Division before printing labels. Last checked 2026-08-05.

## What goes on the label

1. The product name, in words a customer would use.
2. Every ingredient, heaviest first.
3. The major allergens, called out separately from the ingredient list.
4. Who made it: your name or your business name.
5. How to reach you.
6. The date it was made.

## The required statement

As published for Georgia:

> MADE IN A COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO STATE FOOD SAFETY INSPECTIONS

Published as fixed text: reproduce it exactly.
Minimum type size: 10 point.

## Detail

GDA's FAQ requires the statement in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, in Times New Roman or Arial, at least 10-point type, in a color that contrasts with the label background; hand-printed labels are allowed if legible, in durable permanent ink, and sized to match. Label must also carry the operation's name and address, common name of the product, ingredients in descending order by weight, NET WEIGHT or net volume, and federal allergen labeling. HB 398 (signed 13 May 2025, effective 1 July 2025) removed the GDA cottage food license and fee entirely, so there is no state registration; GDA has said it will rewrite Rule 40-7-19 and is using enforcement discretion until it does. HB 398 bars cities and counties from regulating cottage food except by an ordinance opting out of third-party retail sales; local business licensing and zoning still apply.

## Sources

- Authority: Georgia Department of Agriculture, Food Safety Division (Cottage Food program)
- Rule: https://www.agr.georgia.gov/cottage-food-faq
- Authority page: https://www.agr.georgia.gov/cottage-food-faq