Home food business guide · Last reviewed October 2026
Cottage Food Laws in District of Columbia
District of Columbia caps home food sales at Not confirmed (was $25,000). Getting started: DC Health registry ($50); food protection manager; inspection. Foods that need refrigeration have to be made in a commercial kitchen. Of the 40 common products in our finder, 9 can be made in a home kitchen in District of Columbia, many with conditions.
2018 guidance set a $25,000 cap; current trackers list none.
Limited sources. The detailed rules for District of Columbia rely on DC Health's 2018 FAQ plus a 2026 Food Policy Council update. They may be out of date or incomplete, so confirm with the state agency before relying on them.
Quick facts
Sales cap
Not confirmed (was $25,000)
Permit or registration
DC Health registry ($50); food protection manager; inspection
Online & shipping
Online sales within DC (since June 2025)
Sell through stores
Retail and wholesale to licensed DC establishments
Refrigerated & TCS foods
No
Quick facts are summarized from 50-state trackers (Ardent Seller, reviewed October 1, 2026, cross-checked with PermitDeck and Food Business Pros). Where the details below differ, follow the state sources listed at the bottom of this page and confirm with the agency.
District of Columbia ranks 29th of 51 in our Cottage Food State Rankings, with a score of 56 out of 100 (provisional, because some of the state's rules couldn't be confirmed or aren't addressed).
What can you make at home in District of Columbia?
How 40 common products are treated in District of Columbia, with the condition or reason for each. Items marked "general rule" weren't specifically addressed in the state's guidance.
Allowed from a home kitchen
Sourdough bread. Baked goods without cream, custard, cheese, or meat fillings are allowed.
Cookies & brownies. Baked goods without cream, custard, cheese, or meat fillings are allowed.
Garlic or herb-infused oil. General rule, not specifically addressed in this state's guidance; ask the agency to confirm. Garlic or herbs in oil carry a botulism risk and need a validated commercial process.
Home-cooked meals. General rule, not specifically addressed in this state's guidance; ask the agency to confirm. Prepared meals need refrigeration, so they're made in a permitted commercial kitchen.
Kombucha. General rule, not specifically addressed in this state's guidance; ask the agency to confirm. Fermented beverages need a commercial kitchen, and producers monitor alcohol, since at 0.5% ABV or more it is treated as an alcoholic beverage.
Needs a canning license
Pepper jelly. Acidified and canned foods are excluded.
Beef jerky. Meat, including dehydrated, is excluded.
Cheese & yogurt. General rule, not specifically addressed in this state's guidance; ask the agency to confirm. Dairy products are licensed separately, through the state's dairy program.
Marshmallows. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance; ask the agency.
Nut butter. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance; ask the agency.
Pure honey. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance; ask the agency.
Infused honey. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance; ask the agency.
Fruit-infused vinegar. Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance; ask the agency.
Mustard (no egg). Not clearly addressed in the state's guidance; ask the agency.
How to start selling from home
Check that the product is shelf-stable and approved by DC Health on your application. Other foods can be added with lab pH and water activity results.
Get a Home Occupancy Permit and a Certified Food Protection Manager certificate and DC ID card.
Apply to DC Health for a Cottage Food Business Registry number ($50) and pass a pre-operational inspection.
Since June 2025, you can sell directly, online within DC, at retail, and wholesale to licensed DC food establishments.
Label every product (see the checklist below).
Legal paths
Cottage food business
Where
Your primary residence kitchen in DC
Sell
Directly, online within DC, at retail, and wholesale to licensed DC food establishments (since June 2025)
Sales cap
Not confirmed; 2018 guidance set $25,000
Paperwork
Registry number ($50); Home Occupancy Permit; food protection manager certificate; inspection
Commercial kitchen
Where
A licensed commercial kitchen
Sell
TCS foods and canned goods
Sales cap
None
Paperwork
DC Health license; usually FDA registration
Commercial canning
Where
Licensed commercial facility
Sell
Salsas, pickles, and canned foods
Sales cap
None
Paperwork
Process authority review, FDA scheduled-process filing
Label requirements
Required by DC Health on packaged cottage food.
“Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to the District of Columbia's food safety regulations.”. At least 10-point type, in a contrasting color.
Cottage food business identification number
Product name
Ingredients in descending order by weight
Net weight or volume
Allergens. Name the specific tree nut.
Nutrition facts only if you make a claim
Turning a recipe into a product?
Mendocino Food Consulting helps food entrepreneurs with food science, formulation, and process questions. We are food scientists, not attorneys, and we don't provide legal advice.