Requirements for Selling Homemade Food at Festivals

If you intend to sell homemade items at a public event like a festival, you must typically follow these regulations:

  • Cottage Food Permit: You must register with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF). This includes a kitchen inspection and recipe approval.

  • Packaging: Items sold at events under a cottage food permit must be sealed and prepackaged.

  • Food Handler Permit: You and anyone involved in food preparation must hold a valid Utah food handler permit.

  • Labeling: All products must have a label including the product name, full ingredient list (in descending weight order), allergen declarations, net weight, business contact info, and the words "Home Produced" in bold 12-point type.

  • On-Site Consumption: If you wish to sell food for immediate consumption at the event (rather than prepackaged), you must contact the local county health department to obtain a Temporary Food Permit.

    Source: Utah Department of Agriculture and Food

Prohibited Items for Festival Sale

Under the Cottage Food Law, you cannot sell items that require refrigeration for safety (TCS foods). Prohibited items include:

  • Meats, poultry, or seafood.

  • Refrigerated baked goods (e.g., cheesecakes, custards, or pies with cream/egg-based fillings).

  • Fresh fruit toppings or garnishes on baked goods.

  • Raw (unpasteurized) dairy products.

    Source: Utah Department of Agriculture and Food

Local Health Department Oversight

For most festivals, every food vendor must obtain their own temporary food permit from the local health department. These permits usually require:

  • Application submission at least one week before the event.

  • A current food handler card for the person in charge.

  • Agreement that no food for the public will be prepared or stored in a private residence unless specifically approved under the Cottage Food Law.

    Source: Salt Lake County Requirements for Selling at Festivals