I have a product that I would like to sell, but it does not seem to apply under the Cottage Law. I am still likely to sell it, so what is the penalty if I do not comply with the law?

The South Carolina Food and Cosmetic Act requires food products to be manufactured and processed in an approved and registered facility under safe and sanitary conditions. Foods may only be produced in a domestic kitchen if they are non-hazardous baked goods or candies (see The Cottage Law Factsheet for an extensive list of items allowed and not allowed under this law.)* The penalty for operating without a permit or Registration Verification Certificate (RVC) is $1000 per violation.

*The South Carolina Home-based Food Production Law was updated on May 23, 2022.  We are collaborating with the SC regulatory authorities to update all educational resources.  We will update current resources as soon as possible. 

For more information please contact Adair Hoover cpope@clemson.edu.