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Georgia · Direct-to-Consumer Compliance · Category 25 of 24

Vinegars

Plain and fruit-infused vinegars sold direct to consumer, with caution around low-acid infusions

Cottage Food Eligible
None since 7/1/25 (plain vinegar)
License
None
Revenue Cap
Shelf-stable, high-acid
Product Type
Verify pH on savory infusions
Caution

What's Covered / What Needs More

✓ Generally Covered

  • Plain fermented vinegars and fruit-infused vinegars (fruit, sugar, vinegar base) sold direct, at markets, online, and to retail stores
  • Wholesale to retail stores and restaurants under HB 398
  • Flavor infusions that keep the finished product's pH solidly in the high-acid, shelf-stable range
  • Delivery within Georgia by mail or commercial carrier

✕ Needs More / Watch Out

  • Garlic- or savory-vegetable-infused vinegars where the infusion could raise pH into an unsafe range — verify before assuming cottage eligibility, same caution as infused oils
  • Shipping cottage-food vinegar products out of state
  • Skipping the one-time food safety course and required label statement
  • Making unverified health claims (e.g., 'cures digestive issues')

Three Steps to Compliance

A

Confirm high-acid, shelf-stable status

Plain and most fruit-infused vinegars keep a low pH and are cottage-food eligible; if you're adding garlic, herbs, or low-acid vegetables, verify the finished pH rather than assuming safety.

B

Complete training and label

Take the one-time food safety course, then label with the home-kitchen disclosure, ingredients, and net weight.

C

Sell through any Georgia channel

Direct, online, markets, and wholesale to retail stores are open under HB 398 with no revenue cap; route any product with pH uncertainty to a process authority before selling.

Quick Reference

License required?No — HB 398 removed the cottage food license for eligible vinegars
Revenue capNone
Product examplesPlain vinegar, fruit-infused vinegar
Caution categoryGarlic/savory-vegetable infusions — verify pH before selling
Retail/wholesaleAllowed under HB 398
Out-of-state shippingNot allowed under cottage food law

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to sell homemade fruit vinegar?
No, generally — plain and fruit-infused vinegars are shelf-stable, high-acid products that are cottage food eligible under HB 398.
What about garlic-infused vinegar?
Verify the finished pH with a process authority first — garlic and other low-acid additions can shift a vinegar out of the safe, shelf-stable range.
Can I wholesale my vinegar to a local shop?
Yes, HB 398 opened wholesale channels to cottage food producers.
Do I need refrigeration for infused vinegar?
Properly high-acid infused vinegar shouldn't need refrigeration for safety — but confirm your specific recipe's pH rather than assuming.

Printable Checklist

MarketStand · Georgia Producer Compliance Series
This guide is general information, not legal advice, current as of September 2026. Georgia's cottage food, meat inspection, dairy, egg, plant, feed, and alcohol rules change — always verify current requirements with the Georgia Department of Agriculture (agr.georgia.gov), Georgia Dept. of Revenue Alcohol & Tobacco Division, and your local health department before selling.
Primary sources: Georgia Dept. of Agriculture (Cottage Food, Meat Inspection, Egg Law, Live Plant Program, Feed/Pet Food Program); HB 398 (2025); Georgia Raw Dairy Act, O.C.G.A. §26-2-450 et seq.; Georgia Meat Inspection Act, O.C.G.A. §26-2-60; Georgia Food Act, O.C.G.A. §26-2-20; GA Dept. of Revenue Alcohol & Tobacco Division; FDA (DSHEA, MoCRA, FSMA Produce Safety Rule, 21 CFR 108/111/113/114).