# Cottage food label requirements in Idaho

> Informational only, not legal or food-safety advice. Verify with your local Idaho public health district 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 Idaho:

> This product is not subject to government food safety inspection or licensing requirements. It may contain allergens.

Published as fixed text: reproduce it exactly.

## Enforcement

Set centrally, enforced locally, so your own office's answer is the one that counts.
Find yours: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/community-health/food-safety

## Detail

IMPORTANT - the law changed. The Idaho Direct-to-Consumer Commerce Act (SB 1283) replaced the old cottage food rule (IDAPA 16.02.19) effective 20 March 2026. The statute does not require a label specifically: the notice may be a conspicuously displayed sign, a label affixed to the product, OR a card given to the informed end consumer. Whichever form is used, it must also carry the producer's name and contact information and a list of ingredients if the product has two or more ingredients. Perishable products must additionally carry handling instructions sufficient to inform the consumer of safe storage and preparation. No permit, registration, routine inspection or sales cap. Sales must be to an informed end consumer; the older rule barred third-party/wholesale/out-of-state distribution. Enforcement, permits and inspections sit with the seven public health districts, which are listed with links on the IDHW food safety page.

## Sources

- Authority: Your local Idaho public health district (one of seven); the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Food Protection Program writes the rules
- Rule: https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1283.pdf
- Authority page: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/community-health/food-safety