An Evanston resident may register a home based food business with the Evanston Health Department as a Cottage Food Operation in accordance with the Illinois Cottage Food Operation Law.

TERM: Annual FEE: None
RENEWABLE: Annually TRANSFERABLE: No

What is the Cottage Food Operation Law and the Home to Market Act?

This law allows certain foods made in home kitchens to be sold directly to consumers with limited regulation.

Changes took effect January 1, 2022 due to the passage of the Home-to-Market Act (Public Act 102-0633 amending 410 ILCS 625/4). 

Food and drinks produced by a Cottage Food Operation shall be sold directly to consumers for their own consumption and not for resale. Sales directly to consumers include sales at or through:

1. Farmers’ markets
2. Fairs, festivals, public events, or online
3. Pickup from the private home or farm of the cottage food operator in compliance with the Ordinance that applies equally to all home-based businesses
4. Delivery to the customer
5. Pick up from a third-party private property with the consent of the third-party property holder
6. Only food that is non-TCS may be shipped. Cottage food products cannot be shipped out of Illinois. Refer to the law for those restrictions.

Please review this comprehensive guide to all Cottage Food rules and regulations, before registering your cottage food operation.

 Illinois 2023 Cottage Food Guide

Another good source of information provided by the IDPH: FAQs Cottage Food IDPH 2022

Prohibited Foods - Cottage Food Operation

If you wish to sell home prepared foods in compliance with the Illinois Cottage Food Operation Law, and the home that you prepare these foods is in Evanston, you must register with the City of Evanston Department of Health & Human Services.

To register all applicants must submit the following :

Cottage Food Registration Form 
Cottage Food Operation Home Self-Certification Checklist
Product Labels - For Reference - Sample Cottage Food Product Label

You can find resources for course for Food Protection Manager and Food Handler Certification by clicking this link.

Renew Online:  Cottage Food Industry Registration - Renewal

CONTACT: Ellyn Golden, Environmental Health Licensing Coordinator,  egolden@cityofevanston.org or 847-859-7676