Cottage Food Laws in Alaska [2024 Update]
Overview of Guidance and Ordinances for Cottage Food Laws in Alaska
Under Alaska's cottage food laws, foods that do not require temperature control for safety, such as baked goods, jams, candies, and dried products, are permitted. This includes items like breads, pastries, fruit preserves, and roasted coffee. However, foods that require refrigeration or temperature control, like meat, dairy, and non-acidic canned goods, are not covered under these laws.
Food Labeling Requirements according to Alaska Cottage Food Laws
To qualify for the cottage food exemption in Alaska, producers must process, prepare, package, and sell their products exclusively within the state. They are required to maintain detailed information about the ingredients, preparation, and packaging of their food products, including recipes and, for pickled or dried products, pH or water activity data. Sales must be direct to consumers, with the seller knowledgeable about the product's ingredients and preparation, especially regarding allergens, and annual gross sales should not exceed $25,000. Additionally, if the food is not prepared in a state-inspected kitchen, this must be disclosed to consumers, and products must be labeled with either an Alaska Business License number or the producer's contact information for traceability in case of complaints or issues.
Summarized Business Regulations for Cottage Food Laws in Alaska
In Alaska, "Cottage Food" refers to non-potentially hazardous foods prepared in home kitchens and sold within the state. These foods include various baked goods, bottled items like jams and mustards, candies, fermented products, and other items like dried fruits and roasted coffee. Crucially, they exclude foods requiring temperature control for safety, such as meat, dairy, and non-acidic canned foods. Cottage food operators must meet specific conditions, including direct sales to consumers, maintaining detailed knowledge about their products, adhering to sales limit guidelines, and labeling requirements for traceability and consumer awareness.
Alaska Division of Environmental Health
This dashboard is provided as an informational resource and is not affiliated with the above department. While we strive to keep our information accurate and up to date, we do not claim to provide official legal advice or representations regarding cottage food laws or any other regulations. Laws and regulations can change frequently, and they can vary significantly by location. We encourage all users to consult their local health department or a legal professional to obtain the most current information and advice specific to their circumstances.