What is covered and what needs another path
Covered
- Approved acidified or high-acid foods once confirmed with LDH
- Commercial-kitchen canning under a permit
- Foods with a scheduled process
Needs a different path
- Low-acid foods canned at home for sale
- Unscheduled recipes
- Any food with botulism risk
Three compliance steps
A
Test the acidity
Know your pH and whether the food is low-acid, acidified or naturally acidic.
B
Get a process review
Low-acid and acidified foods need a scheduled process from a recognized process authority.
C
Ask LDH
One summary lists pickles and acidified foods as cottage-eligible; another excludes canned or acidified foods. Get written confirmation.
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|---|---|
| Low-acid canned | FDA canning regulations and process filing | FDA / LDH |
| Acidified food | Scheduled process; confirm cottage status | LDH |
| Jam or jelly | Listed as cottage-eligible in summaries | LDH |
| Label | Ingredients, allergens, net weight | FDA |
FAQ
Can I sell home-canned salsa?
Treat it as licensed unless LDH confirms in writing that your recipe is eligible.
Why the caution?
Botulism risk in improperly processed low-acid foods.
Checklist
- pH tested
- Process authority letter
- LDH answer in writing
- Allergens on label
- Net weight stated
- Tax registered