Verified October 29, 2026 from official Arkansas sources.
The short answer: Under the Arkansas Food Freedom Act, homemade foods that do not need refrigeration are exempt from state permits and inspections. You can sell in person, by phone or online, through an agent or a retail shop, and deliver by mail. Meat, poultry, seafood and dairy are not allowed.
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No. Only foods that do not require refrigeration are allowed without a permit.
Shelf-stable homemade foods such as baked goods, candy and jams. Pickles and acidified vegetables are allowed with an approved recipe or batch pH testing. Not allowed: meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, low-acid canned foods and foods that need refrigeration.
No. These foods are exempt from Arkansas Department of Health permits and inspections. You can get an optional ID number from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture to use on labels instead of your name, address and phone.
This product was produced in a private residence that is exempt from state licensing and inspection. This product may contain allergens.
Plus production date, your name, address and phone (or ID number), product name and ingredients. Online listings must show the same information.
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Related: Permits by state · Tennessee · Missouri · Oklahoma
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.