Detroit Cottage Food Laws Compliance Checklist

Michigan Cottage Food Exemptions & Approved Foods

Michigan allows certain non-potentially hazardous foods to be prepared in home kitchens under the state's cottage food exemption. Approved categories include baked goods (breads, cakes, cookies), jams, jellies, dried herbs, popcorn, and granola. Foods requiring refrigeration—including foods with dairy, meat, or seafood—are explicitly prohibited and must be produced in a licensed commercial kitchen. MDARD maintains the official list of approved foods; verify your product falls within the exemption before beginning production. Keep documentation of your product formula and processing method available for inspection.

Detroit Local Health Department Compliance Requirements

Detroit's Health Department enforces additional requirements beyond state law. Home food operations must register with the department and obtain a Food Service License (license type depends on product category). Your home kitchen must maintain separate prep areas from pet spaces, use separate equipment from household items, and document cleaning and sanitization procedures. Detroit inspectors verify that water testing meets drinking water standards and that wastewater disposal complies with city codes. Non-compliance with local registration can result in Cease & Desist orders; registration is free but mandatory before first sale.

Common Violations & Inspection Red Flags

Frequent violations include producing prohibited foods (prepared sauces, canned goods, anything requiring refrigeration), failure to label products with the statement "Made in a home kitchen that is not subject to state licensing," and inadequate documentation of ingredients or supplier sources. Inspectors also flag cross-contamination risks from household pets, unclean shared kitchen spaces, and undeclared allergens on labels. Selling through channels not permitted (unlicensed retail, certain farmers markets) triggers violations. Maintain detailed production logs, supplier invoices, and ingredient lists to demonstrate compliance during surprise inspections by MDARD or Detroit Health Department.

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