Home-To-Market Operators must register with their local health department. The Illinois Department of Public Health is currently working on guidelines for the implementation of the Cottage Food Law. Once this guidance is received, the Winnebago County Health Department will update this page with the Home-To-Market Registration Application and updated guidance information.
Prohibited Items Registration Requirements of Home-To-Market Food Operators
Effective January 1, 2022, Cottage Food operations located within Winnebago County are required to register with the Winnebago County Health Department.
- Cottage Food operators must be Certified Food Protection Managers (CFPM).
- CFPM is an 8-hour course that can be completed in-person or on-line through a number of private vendors.
- A listing of vendors offering the CFPM training can be found here.
- Cottage Food operators must also complete food allergen training which is available on-line through a number of private vendors.
- CFPM is an 8-hour course that can be completed in-person or on-line through a number of private vendors.
- Cottage Food operators must complete a Registration application (found here when available) with the Winnebago County Health Department.
- The following items must be submitted with the Registration application:
- Registration fee of $50.00;
- Copy of CFPM certificate;
- Copy of Allergen Training certificate;
- Copy of water sample test for E. coli coliform if food item is produced in home/establishment on a private well, a shared well with 15 or fewer connections, or a non-community well; and
- Any testing data, lab reports, recipes, or food safety plans required by the Cottage Food Act for the specific products being sold.
- The following items must be submitted with the Registration application:
Additional Requirements of Home-To-Market Food Operators
Home-To-Market Operators must cooperate with the Winnebago County Health Department in the investigation of a consumer complaint or a foodborne illness outbreak, or if the Health Department has reason to believe that an imminent health hazard exists, or in the event of misbranding, adulteration, or non-compliance with the Cottage Food Act. If an inspection of the Home-To-Market operation is required, an inspection fee may apply, based on the type of the inspection/investigation and the related cost to the WCHD.
Follow all other requirements in the law. You are responsible for all other provisions in the law, including but not limited to:
- Product packaging,
- Product labeling,
- Displaying a placard with the required language,
- Cottage Food operators must post a notice in a prominent location at the point of sale that states:
“This product was produced in a home kitchen not inspected by a health department that may also process common food allergens.”
Additional Resources for Home-To-Market Food Operators
For additional information or training on Cottage Foods can please visit these resources:
Illinois Extension Cottage Food Information Sheet
Illinois Extension Cottage Food Website
Illinois Extension self-paced, online Cottage Food Operator Training
