New voluntary registration system now available for Michigan cottage food businesses
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EmailA new, optional registration process helps cottage food entrepreneurs strengthen their business readiness.
Michigan cottage food entrepreneurs now have access to a new Voluntary Cottage Food Registration System, designed to support home‑based food businesses as they grow. This new system has been created following Michigan House Bill 4122 being signed into law. The new system, operated by the Michigan State University Product Center, enables cottage food business owners to formally register their business so they can use a code and their phone number instead of their address on the label.
Voluntary registration costs $50 and can be completed through the MSU Product Center’s Cottage Food Business Voluntary Registration webpage. The process is designed to be simple, accessible, and supportive for new and existing cottage food operators.
Why register?
The voluntary registration system helps cottage food entrepreneurs:
- Market their product while keeping their address private
- Demonstrate legitimacy when selling at farmers markets, events or directly to consumers
By creating a centralized record of cottage food businesses, the new system also helps state and local partners better understand and support Michigan’s growing home‑based food sector.
How to register
Cottage food entrepreneurs can complete the voluntary registration by visiting the MSU Product Center website and navigating to the Cottage Food Registration tab. The online registration system guides users through the required information and payment process. Directions are also available on the website for additional assistance in completing the registration.
Once registered, operators will receive confirmation, their code to be used on their label and access to helpful resources to support their business operations. Codes will be formatted as follows: C-000000000. The contact information can be formatted as below for anyone that registers:
Artie Pinkster
517-555-1212
C-000000000
Since launching the new system on May 21, 2026, more than 127 businesses have registered.
When re‑registration is required
Cottage food operators will need to pay the $50 fee again and submit a new registration if any of the following changes occur:
- Home address changes
- Business name changes
- Primary business contact changes
A change in a primary contact phone number will need to be requested through an email to the MSU Product Center at product@msu.edu so their number can be updated in the system and match the number on their labels. These requirements ensure that the registration database remains accurate and that important updates reach the correct person.
Free MSU cottage food law webinars
MSU Extension also offers free online webinars for those that are interested in learning more about food safety, cottage food guidelines, business development and much more.
To learn more and to register, visit canr.msu.edu/cottage_food_law/events.
Below are two examples of opportunities for Michigan food businesses:
Michigan Cottage Food Law
Learn how to safely prepare and sell allowable foods to the public made in home kitchens. The Michigan Cottage Food Law workshop reviews the food safety aspects and guidelines of preparing and selling cottage foods. The MSU Product Center joins us to cover the business aspects of the Cottage Food Law. A Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Inspector will be available for the Q&A portion of this workshop.
Moving Beyond Cottage Food
Entrepreneurs and cottage food operators can learn basic knowledge to guide them in the right direction for becoming a licensed food operator and moving beyond cottage foods.
More cottage food resources
MSU Extension offers both in-person and online classes to help you learn about Michigan’s Cottage Food Law, along with other helpful resources, like this bulletin that provides detailed guidance. Learn more by visiting the MSU Extension Cottage Food Law website.
For additional information, visit the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Cottage Food Law website.
MSU Product Center
MSU Extension and the MSU Product Center assist entrepreneurs and businesses to develop products and services in the packaged food and agriculture markets. Its team of experts consult with clients on a one-on-one basis, helping new entrepreneurs navigate from concept development to launch and beyond. The MSU Product Center also offers specialized services such as labeling, packaging and nutritional analysis. If you are interested in business counseling from the MSU Product Center, please visit the website at canr.msu.edu/productcenter.
