PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT IN REGARD TO COTTAGE FOOD RULE – For: Local Food Business Owners

The WV Cottage Food Law only applies to those who produce shelf stable products and NOT for those who produce items that must be refrigerated.

Example of Shelf Stable products: cookies, jams, dried herbs, and canned goods.

Example of non-shelf stable products: cheesecake, chocolate covered strawberries, cream pies, lemon meringue pies, whipped icing, any dessert with pudding, etc.

If you are selling or hope to sell non-shelf stable products, you will need a health permit with the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department.

Please give us a call at either health department so that we can help you begin the application process.

**Note:  If selling at a Farmers Market please refer to Title 61 Department of Agriculture Farmers Market Rule for additional information as some TCS (temperature control for safety) foods can be sold under this rule at farmers markets only.