About the Cottage Food Act of 2013
The Cottage Food Act of 2013, which took effect on January 25, 2014 (D.C. Law 20-63; D.C. Official Code § 7-742.01), was amended by the Certificate of Need Improvement Amendment Act of 2025 (D.C. Law 26-7), effective June 10, 2025. This amendment allows Cottage Food Businesses to sell certain food products from their residential kitchens. These businesses may sell directly to consumers through direct, retail (excluding sales to restaurants and grocery stores), and online sales within the District of Columbia. Pursuant to the 2025 amendment, Cottage Food Businesses may also sell wholesale to licensed food establishments, consistent with applicable District laws and regulations. The District’s Cottage Food Regulations, set forth in Title 25-K of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (Division of Food Regulation), govern this type of operation. To become a Cottage Food Business, you must submit a Cottage Food Registry Application to DC Health. Additionally, a pre-operational inspection may be required prior to commencing operations, in accordance with applicable regulations.
Information to Review and Obtain Before You Apply
- Home Occupancy Permit (https://dob.dc.gov/node/1616176) from the DC Department of Buildings (DOB).
- Proof of calibrated scale(s) if your food will be sold by weight from the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) Office of Weights and Measures.
- Certified Food Protection Manager Certification (CFPM) (https://dchealth.dc.gov/node/1405511).
- DC-Issued Certified Protection Manager ID-Card, Issued by DC Health based on your CFPM Certification.
For Additional Cottage Food Business Guidance: Cottage Food Business Regulations
For Further Assistance Please Look At Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Frequently Asked Questions
Cottage Food Business Registry Application: We have launched the Division of Food Safety Portal, which is now open! Please Click Here
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Division at [email protected] or 202-535-2180
If you require assistance in another language, please call (202) 535-2180 for free interpreter assistance.
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