# Cottage food label requirements in Washington

> Informational only, not legal or food-safety advice. Verify with Washington State Department of Agriculture 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 Washington:

> Made in a Home Kitchen that has not been subject to standard inspection criteria

Published as fixed text: reproduce it exactly.
Minimum type size: 11 point.

## Detail

Washington is a permit state, and the permit is statewide from WSDA, not from a county. The label statement is misleading about the actual regime: despite saying the kitchen has not been inspected, WSDA DOES inspect the residence before issuing the permit, and the applicant signs a right-of-entry statement. The WSDA permit number MUST appear on the label alongside the business name, product name, ingredients in descending order by weight, federal allergen declaration, and net weight or volume in U.S. customary units. Statement must also be in a color giving clear contrast to the label background. Governing law: chapter 69.22 RCW and chapter 16-149 WAC; labeling is WAC 16-149-110.

## Sources

- Authority: Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), Food Safety Program
- Rule: https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=16-149-110
- Authority page: https://agr.wa.gov/cottagefood