Before the Cottage Food law, Illinois farmers and food entrepreneurs had to prepare their product in a licensed commercial kitchen, an expensive cost that made it difficult to start or grow a small business. To help food entrepreneurs and to support the sales of local foods, the Illinois Cottage Food Operation Law was enacted on January 1, 2012 and was limited to only selling non-potentially hazardous baked goods, jams, jellies and preserves, and dried herbs. These specific food products were for direct sale to the public at Illinois farmers markets.

In 2018, the Cottage Food Operation Law greatly expanded the type of foods allowed for sale by Illinois vendors to include chilled foods, canned tomato products, pickles, and much more. The Illinois Stewardship Alliance, in what they dubbed the “Illinois Food Freedom Act," championed the 2018 amendment. The 2021 changes opens the door to more expansion for home-based businesses like yours.

University of Illinois Extension provides this educational website, which offers detailed information about the newly amended Illinois Cottage Food Operation Law. This website is for cottage food vendors and prospective vendors. It includes cottage food operator requirements, conditions, and safe food handling practices to ensure the public's safety.