# Cottage food label requirements in Maryland

> Informational only, not legal or food-safety advice. Verify with Maryland Department of Health, Office of Food Protection 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 Maryland:

> Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to Maryland's food safety regulations.

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

## Enforcement

Set centrally, enforced locally, so your own office's answer is the one that counts.
Find yours: https://health.maryland.gov/pages/departments.aspx

## Detail

COMAR 10.15.03. Label must also carry business name and address (a unique ID number issued by MDH may replace the address, but then the phone number is mandatory), product name, ingredients and sub-ingredients in descending order by weight, net weight/count/volume, federal allergen info, and nutrition info only if a nutrition or health claim is made. All labels must be in English. Selling to a retail food store adds three more label items (phone, email, date made) and requires prior written MDH approval plus an ANSI-accredited basic food safety course within the past 3 years. Revenue cap $50,000/yr; in-state direct sales only.

## Sources

- Authority: Maryland Department of Health, Office of Food Protection (rules and the unique ID / retail-sales approval), with your county or Baltimore City health department as the local food regulatory authority
- Rule: https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OEHFP/OFPCHS/Documents/Updated_CF_Guidelines_2025.pdf
- Authority page: https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/OEHFP/OFPCHS/Documents/Updated_CF_Guidelines_2025.pdf