Memphis Cottage Food Laws Compliance Checklist

Tennessee Homestead Food Operation (HFO) License Requirements

Tennessee allows certain foods to be produced in home kitchens under the HFO exemption, but you must register with the Tennessee Department of Health & Human Services and obtain approval from Shelby County Health Department. Non-potentially hazardous foods like jams, pickles, granola, and baked goods are typically eligible, while meat, dairy, and canned goods require commercial facilities. You must maintain detailed records of ingredients, production dates, and sales, and display labels with your name, address, product name, and ingredients. Complete the HFO registration form and pass an initial facility inspection before selling any products.

Memphis Local Inspection Standards & Facility Checklist

Shelby County health inspectors evaluate home food operations for sanitation, pest control, water/sewage systems, and equipment cleanliness during unannounced or scheduled inspections. Your kitchen must have a separate entrance from household areas, dedicated food preparation surfaces, proper handwashing stations, and temperature-controlled storage for ingredients. Commercial-grade equipment is not required for HFO foods, but all surfaces must be food-grade and easily cleanable. Inspectors also verify that household pets are excluded from food preparation areas and that you maintain separate utensils and equipment from non-food activities. Keep documentation of cleaning logs, ingredient suppliers, and batch production records readily available during inspections.

Common Violations to Avoid in Memphis Cottage Food Operations

The most frequent violations include producing non-eligible products (like canned goods without a commercial canner), failing to register or renew HFO status, and inadequate labeling with missing allergen information or production dates. Cross-contamination risks from improper storage, unwashed hands, or shared equipment commonly trigger citations. Selling directly to consumers beyond legal channels—such as through unlicensed retail locations or without proper labeling—violates Shelby County regulations and can result in cease-and-desist orders. Keep updated on Tennessee Department of Health product lists, avoid selling non-approved items, and ensure all labels display required information. Track your sales channels carefully; direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets and online are permitted, but wholesale distribution requires a commercial kitchen.

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