What regulations do I need to follow to sell jams and jellies at a Farmer’s Market?

Canning jars Photo Credit: USDA via FlickrJams and jellies* are regulated under the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control when sold at Farmer's Markets. They are not regulated under the Cottage Food Law, and, therefore, cannot be produced in a home kitchen. In order to sell jams and jellies at a Farmer’s Market you must meet the following regulations:

  1. Have jam or jelly prepared in an approved facility
  2. Have jam or jelly tested if required (see additional information below)
  3. Apply for a SCDHEC permit
  4. Follow all FDA labeling guidelines
  5. Comply with regular unannounced inspections of your facility and process by SCDHEC

Non-standard jams and jellies require product testing by a process authority to ensure product safety. To get more information about product testing please see the Product Testing Form and Product Testing Fact Sheet.

*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 contact Adair Hoover at cpope@clemson.edu (Food2Market Coordinator).