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Illinois Food Business Laws

midwest region · Pop. 12,549,689

Workable13 published categoriesLatest recorded review: June 19, 2026

Recorded review dates for 13 of 13 published categories. A review date is not a guarantee that requirements are current.

Published-category signalWorkable
Informational Only: This information is compiled from public sources for educational purposes and may not reflect the most recent changes. Verify all requirements with your state's regulatory agency before starting or operating a food business. This is not legal advice.

Cottage Food

Advantaged

Illinois (Home to Market Act, SB2007 / PA 102-0633, eff. Jan 2022) has no revenue cap and uses a negative-list approach — all food and drink are permitted EXCEPT specifically prohibited items. One of the broadest allowances in the country. In-state online sales, mail order, and shipping of non-perishable items are allowed. Operators must register with their local health department (up to ~$50/year, renewed annually) and hold a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate. No home inspection.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap — unlimited sales

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

Canning & Preserves

Workable

Illinois allows jams, jellies, and acidified/fermented foods (pickles, salsa) with no revenue cap. CFPM certificate required. Acidified/fermented foods need either exact USDA/Extension recipe OR written food safety plan + pH test (pH 4.6 or below). pH resubmission every 3 years. Water-bath processing in Mason-style jars required.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap

License
Not required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumer

Honey

Advantaged

Illinois has a unique split: plain/unadulterated honey is NOT covered under cottage food — it falls under the Honey House Exemption (SB2959) for beekeepers harvesting under 500 gallons/year. Infused/whipped honey made in a home kitchen DOES fall under cottage food (CFPM cert required). Apiary registration required (free).

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap

License
Not required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Specialty Foods

Workable

Illinois allows specialty dry goods under cottage food with no revenue cap. Permit and food safety training required. Dried herbs, spice blends, granola, and dry mixes permitted. Nut butters and infused oils prohibited.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap

License
Not required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Pet Treats

Workable

Illinois requires commercial feed registration through the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Ag Product Inspection. Annual feed distributor license $40-$3,500 (tonnage-based). No separate per-product fee. Tonnage inspection fees apply. Strict AAFCO label compliance enforced.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; tonnage-based inspection fees

License
Required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Fermented Foods

Limited

Illinois does not permit fermented foods under its cottage food law. All fermented products are considered potentially hazardous. Commercial food processing license and inspection required.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap

License
Not required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Label Requirements

  • N/A — fermented foods not permitted under cottage food

Food Freedom Laws

Workable

Illinois has no standalone Food Freedom Act. Homemade food sales are governed by Illinois's cottage food law, which is very permissive (no revenue cap, no license required). See the Cottage Food vertical for the full roadmap.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap — unlimited sales

License
Not required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Domestic Kitchen

Workable

Illinois has no standalone domestic-kitchen / home-kitchen license tier. Home food production is governed by Illinois's cottage food law, which is very permissive (no revenue cap, no license required). See the Cottage Food vertical for the full roadmap.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap — unlimited sales

License
Not required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Farm Direct

Workable

Illinois has no standalone farm-direct exemption. Farm value-added products are governed by Illinois's cottage food law, which is very permissive (no revenue cap, no license required). See the Cottage Food vertical for the full roadmap.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap — unlimited sales

License
Not required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Not allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

direct-to-consumerfarmers-market

Complete Pet Food

Limited

Illinois requires commercial feed registration through the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Ag Product Inspection. Annual license $50 plus $20 per product. Tonnage inspection fees apply. Strict AAFCO nutritional adequacy compliance enforced. Commercial facility required.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; tonnage-based inspection fees

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Raw Pet Food

Limited

Illinois requires commercial feed registration through the Department of Agriculture Bureau of Ag Product Inspection. Raw pet food faces heightened scrutiny. Annual license $50 plus $20 per product plus tonnage fees. Pathogen testing mandatory. Commercial facility with HACCP plan required.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; HACCP plan and pathogen testing required

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Pet Supplements

Limited

Illinois requires commercial feed registration for pet supplements through the Department of Agriculture. Annual license $50 plus $20 per product. Tonnage inspection fees. Strict AAFCO compliance. CBD pet supplements subject to Illinois hemp program regulations.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; tonnage-based inspection fees

License
Required
Training
Required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Pet Bakery

Limited

Illinois requires commercial feed registration for pet bakery products through the Department of Agriculture. Annual license $50 plus $20 per product. Tonnage fees apply. No cottage exemption for pet treats. Strict AAFCO compliance.

Revenue Cap
No revenue cap

No revenue cap; tonnage-based inspection fees

License
Required
Training
Not required
Online Sales
Allowed

Recorded Sales Channels

wholesaleretail

Pet Food Regulations for Illinois

Commercial feed licensing, AAFCO compliance, fees, and feed control official contact

View Details

Business Formation in Illinois

Review business-formation options and the recorded fees for Illinois. Confirm current fees and obligations with the state filing office; forming an entity does not guarantee asset protection.

LLC Filing Fee

$150

Annual Fee

$75

Processing Estimate

~7 days

DBA Fee

$0

  • • Fee was reduced from $250 to $75
Secretary of State Website →Start Formation Wizard
Workable

Illinois Public Signal

13 of 13 published categories assessed. An overall band requires every published category to be assessed.

Revenue-cap periods follow normalized display labels, not verified legal reset rules. Missing or unrecognized periods display as annual; confirm the applicable period with the regulator.

Cottage Food

Advantaged

Canning & Preserves

Workable

Honey

Advantaged

Specialty Foods

Workable

Pet Treats

Start Your Illinois Food Business

Get your personalized compliance roadmap, startup cost estimate, and step-by-step launch guide.

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This is informational guidance, not legal advice. Always verify requirements with your state regulatory agency before selling food products.

direct-to-consumerfarmers-marketfrom-homeeventsonline-instateinstate-shipping-usps

Recorded Products

nearly all food and drink (negative list model)

baked goods

candy

jams

jellies

honey

dried herbs

popcorn

granola

Recorded Label Requirements

  • business name
  • county of registration
  • product common name
  • complete ingredient list in descending order
  • major allergen declarations (peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish)
  • home kitchen not inspected disclaimer (may also process common food allergens)

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • net weight
  • nutrition facts

410 ILCS 625/3.6

Recorded review: June 19, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
farmers-market
online-instate

Recorded Products

jams

jellies

fruit butter

apple butter

fruit preserves

pickles (high-acid/acidified)

salsa (acidified)

chutney

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name
  • address
  • ingredients
  • allergens
  • Made in a home kitchen disclaimer
  • date produced
  • pH testing required for acidified foods

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • net weight
  • nutrition facts

410 ILCS 625/3.6

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online-instate

Recorded Products

raw honey

filtered honey

creamed honey

comb honey

infused honey

beeswax products

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name
  • address
  • product name (honey)
  • net weight
  • ingredients (if infused)
  • allergens
  • Made in a home kitchen disclaimer
  • date produced

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • USDA grade
  • floral source
  • nutrition facts

410 ILCS 625/3.6; 510 ILCS 20/ (Apiary)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online-instate

Recorded Products

dried herbs

spice blends

tea blends

dry mixes

seasoning packets

granola

trail mix

dried pasta

flavored salts

Recorded Label Requirements

  • producer name
  • address
  • ingredients
  • allergens
  • Made in a home kitchen disclaimer
  • date produced
  • net weight

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • nutrition facts

410 ILCS 625/3.6

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online
direct-to-consumer

Recorded Products

dog treats

cat treats

pet food

pet snacks

biscuits

chews

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name
  • species designation
  • guaranteed analysis
  • ingredient list (AAFCO names)
  • net weight
  • manufacturer name and address
  • nutritional adequacy statement or treat designation

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • calorie content
  • feeding directions

505 ILCS 30/1 et seq. (Illinois Commercial Feed Act)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap

410 ILCS 625/3.6 (fermented foods not listed as permitted)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
from-home
events

Recorded Products

nearly all food and drink (negative list model)

baked goods

candy

jams

jellies

honey

dried herbs

popcorn

granola

Recorded Label Requirements

  • business name
  • county of registration
  • product common name
  • complete ingredient list in descending order
  • major allergen declarations (peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish)
  • home kitchen not inspected disclaimer (may also process common food allergens)

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • net weight
  • nutrition facts

No dedicated Food Freedom Act; governed by 410 ILCS 625/3.6

Recorded review: June 18, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
from-home
events

Recorded Products

nearly all food and drink (negative list model)

baked goods

candy

jams

jellies

honey

dried herbs

popcorn

granola

Recorded Label Requirements

  • business name
  • county of registration
  • product common name
  • complete ingredient list in descending order
  • major allergen declarations (peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish)
  • home kitchen not inspected disclaimer (may also process common food allergens)

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • net weight
  • nutrition facts

No dedicated domestic-kitchen / home-kitchen license tier; governed by 410 ILCS 625/3.6

Recorded review: June 18, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
from-home
events

Recorded Products

nearly all food and drink (negative list model)

baked goods

candy

jams

jellies

honey

dried herbs

popcorn

granola

Recorded Label Requirements

  • business name
  • county of registration
  • product common name
  • complete ingredient list in descending order
  • major allergen declarations (peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish)
  • home kitchen not inspected disclaimer (may also process common food allergens)

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • net weight
  • nutrition facts

No dedicated farm-direct exemption; governed by 410 ILCS 625/3.6

Recorded review: June 18, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online
direct-to-consumer

Recorded Products

dry kibble

wet/canned food

semi-moist food

fresh refrigerated food

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name with species designator
  • guaranteed analysis (crude protein min, crude fat min, crude fiber max, moisture max)
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names in descending order by weight
  • nutritional adequacy statement (formulation or feeding trial method)
  • feeding directions
  • net weight
  • manufacturer name and address

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • calorie content
  • AAFCO feeding trial statement
  • life stage designation

505 ILCS 30/1 et seq. (Illinois Commercial Feed Act)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online

Recorded Products

raw frozen pet food

freeze-dried raw

dehydrated raw

raw bones

raw meaty bones

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name with species designator
  • guaranteed analysis (crude protein min, crude fat min, crude fiber max, moisture max)
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names
  • nutritional adequacy statement or treat designation
  • safe handling instructions
  • storage and temperature requirements
  • net weight
  • manufacturer name and address

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • calorie content
  • feeding directions

505 ILCS 30/1 et seq. (Illinois Commercial Feed Act)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online
direct-to-consumer

Recorded Products

joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin)

probiotics

omega fatty acids

vitamins

minerals

digestive enzymes

calming supplements

hemp-derived CBD (under state hemp program)

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name with species designator
  • guaranteed analysis
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names
  • directions for use/dosage
  • net weight
  • manufacturer name and address
  • intended use statement (structure/function claim only)

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • NASC quality seal
  • calorie content
  • caution/warning statements

505 ILCS 30/1 et seq. (Illinois Commercial Feed Act)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
online
direct-to-consumer

Recorded Products

baked dog biscuits

pet birthday cakes

frozen yogurt treats

peanut butter cookies

pumpkin treats

Recorded Label Requirements

  • product name
  • species designation
  • ingredient list using AAFCO-defined names
  • treat/snack designation
  • net weight
  • manufacturer name and address

Recorded Optional Label Information

  • guaranteed analysis
  • calorie content
  • feeding directions

505 ILCS 30/1 et seq. (Illinois Commercial Feed Act)

Recorded review: March 1, 2026

Full Details Get Roadmap
Workable

Fermented Foods

Limited

Food Freedom Laws

Workable

Domestic Kitchen

Workable

Farm Direct

Workable

Complete Pet Food

Limited

Raw Pet Food

Limited

Pet Supplements

Limited

Pet Bakery

Limited

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