State-by-State Maps and Charts

Laws Impacting the Production of Food Across the U.S.

Cottage Food Map

The FDA strictly regulates the sale of food made in home kitchens, generally requiring a commercial kitchen license for the sale of homemade food in interstate commerce. This means that most states did the same for many years. In the last decade, however, great progress has been made in adopting “cottage food laws” in almost every state.

This map and chart define what “cottage food” means in each state, as well as permissible locations for sales of cottage foods, and if there are any additional requirements such as licensing or educational components.

Poultry Map

The USDA requires that poultry be inspected and processed at official USDA facilities or state inspection facilities. The federal law has exemptions for the slaughter and processing of less than 1000 birds or less than 20,000 birds.

Use this map and chart to determine the rules governing small-scale poultry production in your state.

Raw Dairy Map

Federal law prohibits the sale of raw milk for human consumption across state lines. States have the authority to regulate raw milk and raw dairy products produced and sold within state lines, so the laws are different from state to state. The map and chart show if or how raw milk can legally be obtained in your state.

Red Meat Slaughter Map

Meat intended for sale must processed at a USDA official facility or state facility that is “equal to” or stricter than federal regulation. This map shows exceptions to that rule, which include livestock slaughtered for personal use. The accompanying chart provides relevant statute and regulation citations, and whether there is a limit on the number of owners for a custom-slaughtered animal.