Food rules for sellers

You’re responsible for following the rules for what you sell. Here’s a starting point for Ohio sellers. It isn’t legal advice, so check with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) or your county health department when in doubt.

Home-baked and cottage foods (Ohio)

• Ohio’s cottage food rules let home kitchens sell many non-hazardous foods, such as breads, cookies, jams, jellies, candy and granola, directly to consumers.
• Products must be labeled (name, address, ingredients, net weight, allergens, and a statement that it’s home-produced and not inspected).
• Foods that need refrigeration (cream pies, cheesecake, meat) generally aren’t cottage foods. Those need a licensed kitchen.

Eggs

• Small flocks can often sell eggs directly to consumers. Keep eggs clean and refrigerated at 45°F or below, and label cartons.
• Larger flocks and resale to stores have extra ODA licensing requirements.

Meat and poultry

• Meat generally has to be processed at a USDA or ODA inspected facility and labeled before it can be sold.
• Ohio has limited exemptions for small poultry producers. Check with ODA before listing.

Produce, honey, maple

• Whole, uncut fruits and vegetables can generally be sold directly.
• Honey and maple syrup have their own labeling and processing rules. Small producers are often exempt from licensing.

Dairy

• Pasteurized dairy and cheese require a licensed dairy facility.
• Raw milk and other unpasteurized dairy can’t be listed on Field & Porch. See our raw milk policy.

West Virginia and Pennsylvania neighbors

Belmont County borders both states. If your stand is across the river, follow your own state’s rules.