# Cottage food label requirements in Vermont

> Informational only, not legal or food-safety advice. Verify with Vermont Department of Health, Food & Lodging Program 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 Vermont:

> Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Vermont Department of Health

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

## Detail

Vermont runs a license-exemption scheme, not a permit-free one. Operating under the exemption requires filing annually with the Health Department's online portal before January 15 and completing annual food safety / manufacturing training. The Health Department page also requires the statement be in a color contrasting with the label background. Other required label elements: producer name and address, product name, ingredients in descending order by weight, net weight or volume, federal allergen declaration, and nutrition labeling if any nutrient content claim is made. Above the exemption's sales threshold a home processor license is required instead.

## Sources

- Authority: Vermont Department of Health, Food & Lodging Program
- Rule: https://www.healthvermont.gov/environment/food-lodging-program/home-based-food-licenses-and-exemptions
- Authority page: https://www.healthvermont.gov/environment/food-lodging-program/home-based-food-licenses-and-exemptions