Yes, Vermont permits limited home-based food sales under the 2018 Home-Based Food Freedom Act, exempting non-perishable foods like baked goods, jams, and granola from commercial licensing. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) oversees compliance, though local health departments may impose additional zoning restrictions. Sales must occur directly to consumers (e.g., farmers’ markets, online) without wholesale distribution.
Key Regulations for Selling Homemade Food in Vermont
- Permitted Foods: Only non-potentially hazardous foods (e.g., bread, cookies, dried herbs) are exempt; perishable items (e.g., custards, cream pies) require a commercial kitchen permit.
- Labeling Requirements: Products must include the producer’s name/address, ingredients (including allergens), net weight/volume, and the disclaimer: “Made in a home kitchen not subject to state licensing.”
- Sales Channels: Direct-to-consumer transactions are allowed, but sales to restaurants, stores, or third-party platforms (e.g., Amazon) void the exemption, triggering full compliance under VAAFM’s 2026 Cottage Food Guidance updates.
Violations risk penalties under Vermont’s Food Safety Rules (6 V.S.A. § 3301 et seq.), including cease-and-desist orders for mislabeled or adulterated products. Producers should consult VAAFM’s 2024-2026 compliance bulletins for evolving standards, particularly regarding allergen labeling and online sales.