1. Michigan’s New Cottage Food
Act
An Opportunity to Participate in
Michigan’s Growing Food Industry
Pittsfield Union Grange
November 10, 2010

2. Frank Gublo
Michigan State University Product CenterMichigan State University Product Center
for Agriculture and Natural Resourcesfor Agriculture and Natural Resources
Michigan State University ExtensionMichigan State University Extension
705 Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor Michigan,705 Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor Michigan,
4810348103
Phone: 313-401-6283Phone: 313-401-6283
gublofra@msu.edugublofra@msu.edu
www.facebook.com/gublowww.facebook.com/gublo

3. Michigan’s New Cottage Food Act
• Legislation was crafted to encourageLegislation was crafted to encourage
entrepreneurship, support local farmers markets andentrepreneurship, support local farmers markets and
to further develop local food systemsto further develop local food systems
• Takes away some of the obstacles that preventTakes away some of the obstacles that prevent
people from starting a food businesspeople from starting a food business

4. What types of food can be
produced under the
Michigan’s Cottage Food
Act? Foods with low risk for
foodborne illness
• Jams and Jellies
• Breads
• Cookies
• Fruit Pies
• Vinegar
• Coated or Uncoated
Nuts
• Herbs-dried
• Pasta-dried
• Cotton Candy
• Popcorn
• Chocolate Covered Items
• Cakes
• Dry Bulk Items

5. Under Michigan’s Cottage Food Act,
where can food products be produced?
A single family domestic residence
• House
• Apartment
• Condo
• Rental House

6. What needs to be on your Label?
• Name of the food
product
• Ingredients
• Net Weight or
Volume
• Name and
Address of the
Business
• Allergen
Labeling
All food produced under Michigan’s Cottage Food
Act Must Contain the Statement:
Made in a home kitchen that has not been
inspected by the Michigan Department of
Agriculture

7. Food safety in your kitchen
and home
Personal hygiene, clean kitchen
and storage areas are key:
•Clean Counters, Sinks, Floors
Ceilings
•Clean pots, pans, bowls,
utensils
•Store in clean dry places, not
on floors
•Insect, rodent and pest free
•Exclude pets from food prep
areas
•Proven food processes
•Clean vehicle

8. The business aspects of the
Michigan Cottage Food Act
• Market managers are
very important to
your success
• Sales limit
• In person sales only
• Local zoning can be an
issue
• Liability insurance

9. Finding More Help
Michigan Department of
Agriculture
http://michigan.gov/mda
Michigan State University
Extension-Washtenaw
http://www.ewashtenaw.
org/government/departm
ents/extension
Michigan State University
Product Center
http://www.productcenter
.msu.edu/

10. Slides are available
www.slideshare.net/FRGubl
o
Frank Gublo
gublofra@msu.edu
www.facebook.com/gublo