How to Start a Class B Cottage Food Business in Arkansas

Arkansas offers something most states don't: unlimited sales potential for cottage food producers. With a Class B cottage food permit, you can sell your homemade goods both retail and wholesale with no cap on earnings. That means your kitchen-based business can grow as big as your ambition and customer base allow.

But getting started requires navigating Arkansas's specific requirements, which differ significantly from the more common Class A permits. Here's exactly what you need to know to launch your Class B cottage food business legally and successfully.

Who this guide is for

This guide is for Arkansas residents who want to:

• Sell homemade food products both directly to consumers and to retailers
• Take advantage of online sales opportunities
• Build a scalable food business without revenue limits
• Understand the wholesale cottage food requirements

You'll learn the step-by-step registration process, what foods you can and can't make, where you can sell, and how to stay compliant with Arkansas regulations.

Understanding Arkansas Class B cottage food permits

Arkansas divides cottage food operations into two classes. Class A allows direct sales only (farmer's markets, roadside stands, your home). Class B opens up wholesale opportunities while maintaining all Class A privileges.

The key differences with Class B:

• Wholesale allowed: You can sell to restaurants, grocery stores, and other retailers
• No sales cap: Unlike many states that limit cottage food revenue, Arkansas sets no maximum
• Online sales permitted: You can sell through websites and social media platforms
• Intrastate only: All sales must stay within Arkansas borders
• Registration required: You need to register with the Arkansas Department of Health

Step 1: Verify your food products are allowed

Arkansas cottage food law covers "non-potentially hazardous foods" that don't require refrigeration for safety. The state provides a clear list of what's allowed and prohibited.

Allowed foods include:

• Baked goods (breads, cookies, cakes, pastries)
• Candies and confections
• Jams, jellies, and preserves
• Dried fruits and vegetables
• Roasted coffee beans
• Popcorn and roasted nuts
• Vinegars and flavoring extracts

Prohibited foods include:

• Fresh or cooked meat, poultry, or seafood
• Dairy products requiring refrigeration
• Fresh produce
• Canned vegetables or meals
• Beverages (except coffee)
• Fermented foods like kombucha or kimchi

When in doubt, contact the Arkansas Department of Health Food Protection Program at (501) 661-2171. They can clarify whether your specific product qualifies.

Step 2: Meet kitchen and training requirements

Your Class B permit requires completing a food safety training course. Arkansas accepts several options:

Approved training programs:

• ServSafe Food Handler certification
• Arkansas Department of Health cottage food training (when available)
• Any ANSI-accredited food safety training program

The training typically costs $15-50 and takes 2-4 hours to complete online. Keep your certificate—you'll need it for registration and renewal.

Your home kitchen must meet basic sanitation requirements, but Arkansas doesn't require kitchen inspections for cottage food operations. However, you should:

• Keep pets out of food preparation areas during production
• Maintain clean surfaces and equipment
• Store ingredients properly
• Have adequate lighting and ventilation

Step 3: Register with the Arkansas Department of Health

Unlike states that require permits, Arkansas uses a registration system for Class B operations. Here's the process:

Gather required documents:

• Completed cottage food registration form
• Copy of your food safety training certificate
• List of products you plan to manufacture
• $50 registration fee (check or money order)

Submit your registration:

Mail everything to:

Arkansas Department of Health

Food Protection Program

4815 West Markham Street, Slot 40

Little Rock, AR 72205-3867

Or submit online through the Arkansas Department of Health portal if available in your county.

Processing typically takes 2-3 weeks. You'll receive a registration certificate that's valid for one year.

Step 4: Understand labeling requirements

Arkansas requires specific labeling for all cottage food products. Every package must include:

Required label information:

• Product name
• Ingredients list (in descending order by weight)
• Net weight or volume
• Your name and address
• "Made in a home kitchen not inspected by the Arkansas Department of Health"

Label example:

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Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies