Verified October 29, 2026 from official Alabama sources.
The short answer: Alabama does not require a permit for cottage food and has no yearly sales limit. You must complete an approved food safety course and have your county health department review your labels and course certificate before you sell. Home-cooked meals, meat, poultry and fish are not allowed.
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No. Cottage food in Alabama means foods that do not need temperature control and do not include meat, poultry or fish.
Cakes, breads, pastries, pies, jams, jellies and fruit preserves, candy, dried herbs, vegetables or fruits, roasted coffee and dried baking mixes. Fermented or preserved fruits and vegetables need a pH verified by a processing authority.
No permit and no home kitchen inspection. You complete the Cottage Food Review Form and your county health department reviews your food safety course certificate and product labels. Review fees vary by county.
Alabama has no yearly sales limit.
At least 10-point font. Product name, your operation's name, home or P.O. Box address, ingredients in order by weight, a statement that the food is not inspected by the Health Department, and a disclaimer that the food may contain allergens.
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Related: Permits by state · Georgia · Tennessee · Florida
This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and can differ by city and county. Confirm with your state or local health or agriculture department before you sell.