Cottage Food Operator (CFO)

Cottage Food is prepared food perceived to be low-risk for food-related injury or illness.   As a low-risk product, Cottage Food can be prepared in a home environment without some of the controls used for a traditional ready-to-eat food such as those foods sold in a restaurant or grocery store (please be aware that as a result Cottage Food products may not meet FDA requirements for inter-state commerce, and therefore they cannot be shipped - the transaction must occur in Connecticut.)   A listing of allowable foods is specified in our Guide for Cottage Food Operators.

If the food you desire to produce as a CFO is not included in the list of acceptable foods in the Guide for Cottage Food Operators* you may submit an application for review.

*Special Note: Beginning October 1, 2022, the cap on annual gross sales has been raised to $50,000.  

Before You Apply:    

The following documentation must be attached and submitted with a completed application.  Do not submit the application until you are able to provide these items: 

• If you are on a well, please submit a recent water test.  A list of approved drinking water labs are listed on the Department of Public Health’s website, the lab should be able to arrange testing.
• A certificate of food safety training from a recognized provider.    

Application Information:

• You may begin the online application process, or download a paper application to print on your own here.

Additional Information:

• Buttercream Frostings Information

• Cottage Food in Connecticut: A Guide for Cottage Food Operators

• Polish: Cottage Food in Connecticut: A Guide for Cottage Food Operators

• Spanish: Cottage Food in Connecticut: A Guide for Cottage Food Operators

• Approved Water Testing Laboratories in Connecticut

• Approved Food Safety Courses

• New Food Application (Food not currently listed as an acceptable cottage food)

Taxes

Consumer Protection does not collect tax information or payments but since this issue seems to come up businesses in the State of Connecticut are required to fill out a Businesses Taxes Registration Form and submit it to the Department of Revenue Services.

Those with questions about the forms or taxes may contact the Department of Revenue Services at (860) 297-5962, by web at https://portal.ct.gov/drs or via email at DRS@po.state.ct.us.

Email for Questions and More Information: dcp.foodandstandards@ct.gov