Law expanding West Virginia’s cottage food industry takes effect June 12

Law expanding West Virginia’s cottage food industry takes effect June 12

West Virginia's new legislation, Senate Bill 44, expands the cottage food program in the state, allowing producers to sell “potentially hazardous” foods, including those that are acidified, pickled or fermented, and foods that are time and temperature-controlled.

West Virginia Law Will Allow Permit-holders to Sell “Potentially Hazardous” Cottage Food Products

On March 14, 2026, West Virginia passed Senate Bill 44, updating the state’s cottage food laws. The bill will allow citizens to obtain a “potentially hazardous cottage food vendor permit,” enabling them to sell these foods without a food establishment permit. Potentially hazardous foods are defined as requiring “time/temperature control or other protocols for safety to limit pathogenic microorganisms or toxin formation.”  Products containing mea…

Law expanding West Virginia’s cottage food industry takes effect June 12 - Stateline Publications

Beth Pierce, owner of Beth’s Baking and Gifts, plans to expand her business to offer additional products now that West Virginia is expanding its cottage food program. Pictured are some of the cookies she sells. (Courtesy photo) Beginning soon, West Virginia’s cottage food producers will have more options about what they can make and sell.  Senate Bill 44, which expands the state’s existing cottage food program, takes effect June 12. State lawmak…

Law expanding West Virginia’s cottage food industry takes effect June 12 - The Mexico Ledger

Beth Pierce, owner of Beth’s Baking and Gifts, plans to expand her business to offer additional products now that West Virginia is expanding its cottage food program. Pictured are some of the cookies she sells. (Courtesy photo) Beginning soon, West Virginia’s cottage food producers will have more options about what they can make and sell.  Senate Bill 44, which expands the state’s existing cottage food program, takes effect June 12. State lawmak…