Start a home kitchen in Kentucky

The steps, the costs, where to apply, and how to get inspection-ready — in Kentucky's own program terms.

Cottage food law

Sales cap: $60,000 gross annual income for both Home-Based Processors (KRS 217.015(56)) and Home-Based Microprocessors (KRS 217.015(57)), verified from the amended definition text in 2026 SB 73. No scheduled change; the cap was left unchanged by the 2026 amendment (effective July 15, 2026).

Allowed foods: Allowed (Home-Based Processor): non-potentially-hazardous foods — dried herbs, spices, nuts, candy (no alcohol, no bare-hand contact), dried grains, granola, trail/snack mix, whole fruits and vegetables, dried or freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, mixed greens, jams, jellies, sweet sorghum syrup, preserves, fruit butter, bread, fruit pies, cakes, cookies, maple syrup, pecan pies, popcorn. Not allowed (HBP): acid foods, acidified food products, formulated acid food products, low-acid canned foods; low-sugar/savory/vegetable jams and jellies; cream-filled pies, custard, meringue, cheesecake; raw seed sprouts; garlic-in-oil mixtures; vacuum-packed non-mason jars; pureed baby foods. Home-Based Microprocessor tier (farmers only, growing the primary ingredient): acidified and low-acid canned foods such as pickles, salsa, and BBQ sauce — with UK workshop training and per-recipe approval.

The permit steps

1. Register with the state: complete form DFS-250 and mail it with the $50 annual registration fee to the KY Food Safety Branch, 275 E. Main St. HS1C-F, Frankfort, KY 40621 (or drop it at your local health department, which forwards it).
2. Registration renews annually; a renewal invoice is mailed each year.
3. No food-safety training is required for Home-Based Processors; no routine kitchen inspection (the cabinet may inspect annually, and will sample/inspect on a complaint or misbranding finding).
4. Microprocessor tier (canned/acidified foods): attend the UK Cooperative Extension microprocessor workshop and pass the tests, get each recipe approved by a process authority ($5 per recipe), prepare draft labels, verify an approved water source, then submit the certification application with a $50 fee to the Food Safety Branch.

How it works, start to finish

1. Confirm your products are non-potentially-hazardous foods (no acidified, low-acid canned, meat, dairy-based, or refrigerated items).
2. Register as a Home-Based Processor: fill out form DFS-250 and mail it with the $50 annual fee to the KY Food Safety Branch in Frankfort (275 E. Main St. HS1C-F, Frankfort, KY 40621).
3. Label every product with: operation name and full street address, product name, ingredients in descending order, net weight/volume, the exact statement 'This product is homeproduced and processed' in 10-point type, the date processed, and allergen identification.
4. Sell direct to Kentucky consumers only — from your home (pickup or personal delivery), farmers markets, roadside stands, community events, or online with in-person pickup/delivery (no mail shipping).
5. No wholesale or retail sales (restaurants, grocery stores), no interstate sales.
6. Stay under $60,000 gross annual income; renew your registration each year.
7. For pickles, salsa, BBQ sauce, or other canned/acidified foods: take the separate Home-Based Microprocessor path — you must be a farmer growing the primary ingredient, complete the UK workshop, get recipes approved, and sell only at farmers markets, certified roadside stands, or on your farm.

Where to apply in Kentucky

Official sources — start with the agency or department that runs Kentucky's program:

• KRS 217.136 — Homebased processors (official legislature statute page)
• KRS 217.137 — Administrative regulations on homebased microprocessors (official legislature statute page)
• CHFS Food Safety Branch — Home-Based Processor registration form DFS-250
• CHFS Food Safety Branch — Step-by-Step Guide for Home-Based Microprocessor Certification
• 25RS HB 768 bill record (official legislature record page)

Inspection prep (general)