HB 263, Home-Based Processing/Farmers’ Market Regulation

HB 263 allows a Kentucky resident to produce or process whole fruits and vegetables, mixed-greens, jams, jellies, sweet sorghum syrup, preserves, fruit butter, bread, fruit pies, cakes or cookies in their home kitchen without being permitted or registered.   

A home-based processor will not have to grow a primary ingredient.  These home-based processed food items may be sold directly to consumers within this state, including from the home-based processor’s home by pick-up or delivery, at a market (not a permitted retail market), a roadside stand, a community event or online.

The home-based processing program will be administered by the Food Safety Branch. If you have any questions, complaints, etc related to home-based processing please forward those to the Food Safety Branch.
275 E. Main St. HS1CF 
Frankfort, KY 40621
502-564-7181

Food Safety Branch has suggested the following for the label:

  • The name and address of the cottage food operation
  • The name of the cottage food product
  • The ingredients of the cottage food product, in descending order of predominance by weight
  • The net weight or net volume of the cottage food product
  • Allergen information as specified by federal labeling requirements
  • Nutritional labeling as specified by federal labeling requirements is required if any nutrient content claim, health claim or other nutritional information is provided
  • The following statement printed in at least 10-point type in color that provides a clear contrast to the background label:  “Made in a Home Kitchen that is not Subject to Government Food Safety Inspection.”

Food Safety Branch has suggested the following for the label:

  • The name and address of the cottage food operation
  • The name of the cottage food product
  • The ingredients of the cottage food product, in descending order of predominance by weight
  • The net weight or net volume of the cottage food product
  • Allergen information as specified by federal labeling requirements
  • Nutritional labeling as specified by federal labeling requirements is required if any nutrient content claim, health claim or other nutritional information is provided
  • The following statement printed in at least 10-point type in color that provides a clear contrast to the background label:  “Made in a Home Kitchen that is not Subject to Government Food Safety Inspection.”