Washington, D.C. Cottage Food Label Requirements
Selling homemade food in Washington, D.C.? Your package label has to carry a specific set of items — including Washington, D.C.’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 Washington, D.C. label statement
“Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to the District of Columbia's food safety regulations”
This exact wording is prescribed by law. ✓ Verified against the official source.
Source: 25-K DCMR § 104.2(b)(7), "Cottage Food Regulations," D.C. Register Vol. 64, No. 52 (Dec. 29, 2017), official text ↗
What your Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C. statement: “Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to the District of Columbia's food safety regulations”
Generate your Washington, D.C. label free
Enter your recipe once — MakeFoodLabel builds the whole label (ingredient list, allergen “Contains” line, net weight, and the Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C. label →Common questions
What must a cottage food label include in Washington, D.C.?
A Washington, D.C. 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 “Made by a cottage food business that is not subject to the District of Columbia's food safety regulations”. 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 Washington, D.C.?
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 Washington, D.C.’s cottage food law — 25-K DCMR § 104.2(b)(7), "Cottage Food Regulations," D.C. Register Vol. 64, No. 52 (Dec. 29, 2017),. 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 Washington, D.C. authority before selling.