Iowa Cottage Food Label Requirements
Selling homemade food in Iowa? Your package label has to carry a specific set of items — including Iowa’s required home-kitchen statement. Here’s exactly what goes on the label, and a free tool that builds it from your recipe.
The required Iowa label statement
“This product was produced at a residential property that is exempt from state licensing and inspection.”
This exact wording is prescribed by law. ✓ Verified against the official source.
Source: Iowa Code § 137F.20(2)(d) (2026), official Iowa Legislature PDF official text ↗
What your Iowa cottage food label must include
- ✓The common or usual name of the product
- ✓Net quantity (weight or volume) — in US customary and metric
- ✓The ingredient list, in descending order by weight
- ✓An allergen “Contains” statement (FDA major allergens present)
- ✓Your name and business address
- ✓The Iowa statement: “This product was produced at a residential property that is exempt from state licensing and inspection.”
Generate your Iowa label free
Enter your recipe once — MakeFoodLabel builds the whole label (ingredient list, allergen “Contains” line, net weight, and the Iowa home-kitchen statement) plus the FDA nutrition table if you need it. Free with a watermark; $29 once to remove it, unlimited labels.
Make my Iowa label →Common questions
What must a cottage food label include in Iowa?
A Iowa cottage food label generally needs the product name, net weight, the full ingredient list in descending order by weight, an allergen statement, your business name and address, and the statement “This product was produced at a residential property that is exempt from state licensing and inspection.”. Rules can vary by food type and sales channel — confirm with your state authority.
Do I need a Nutrition Facts panel to sell cottage food in Iowa?
Usually not, unless you make a nutrient claim (like “low sugar”) or exceed your state’s cottage food limits. Many sellers add one anyway because stores and customers ask for it. MakeFoodLabel generates the FDA panel from your recipe if you need it.
Where does the “not inspected / home kitchen” wording come from?
From Iowa’s cottage food law — Iowa Code § 137F.20(2)(d) (2026), official Iowa Legislature PDF. Cottage food law changes often, so verify the current wording with your authority before printing.
This page is an estimation aid, not legal advice. Cottage food rules vary by state and change often; whether you need a nutrition panel, the exact disclaimer wording, sales limits and permitted foods all depend on your situation. Confirm current requirements with the Iowa authority before selling.