Yes, selling homemade food in Maine is legal under specific conditions outlined by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC). The state permits cottage food operations, allowing individuals to sell non-perishable foods without a commercial kitchen license, provided they comply with labeling and sales restrictions. However, perishable items remain prohibited unless produced in a licensed facility.
Key Regulations for Selling Homemade Food in Maine
- Cottage Food Exemption: Non-perishable foods (e.g., baked goods, jams, granola) may be sold without a license if gross annual sales do not exceed $20,000. Perishable items (e.g., dairy, meat, eggs) require licensed facilities.
- Labeling Requirements: All cottage foods must include the producer’s name, business address, ingredients, allergens, and the statement: “Made in a Home Kitchen That Has Not Been Subject to State Inspection.”
- Sales Restrictions: Cottage foods may only be sold directly to consumers (e.g., farmers’ markets, online orders) or shipped within Maine. Wholesale distribution to retailers is prohibited without additional licensing.
Local health departments, such as the Portland Food Service Program, enforce these rules and conduct periodic inspections for compliance. As of 2026, Maine’s cottage food laws remain aligned with the FDA’s Food Code, but producers must monitor updates from the DACF for potential regulatory shifts. Failure to adhere to these provisions may result in fines or mandatory facility upgrades.