0State license identified for own-hive honey
Net wtDeclare on label
No infantsCommon label caution
PureAdded ingredients change class
What is covered, and what needs a different path
Covered
- Honey from your own hives
- Comb honey in clean packaging
- Direct sales at market or farm
Needs a different path
- Blended or flavored products
- Honey sold with health claims
- Imported or bought honey labeled as yours
Three compliance steps
AKeep it pure
Single-ingredient honey stays a farm product; additions move to processed food.
BLabel it
Name, address, net weight and honest origin.
CSell and tax
Register for sales tax and weigh with legal scales.
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|
| Raw honey | Farm product; label name and address | MDA |
| Flavored honey | Processed food rules | DHSS / local health |
| Net weight | Use legal-for-trade scale | MDA Weights |
| Claims | No cure language | FDA / FTC |
| Sales tax | Retail sales are taxable; Missouri sales tax license, state plus local rate | MO DOR |
FAQ
Do I need a license?
None specific was identified.
Is honey a cottage food?
It is not named; as a farm product it sits outside it.
Can I say it fights allergies?
No.
Printable checklist
- Confirm hive source
- Use clean containers
- Add net weight
- Add name and address
- Skip health claims
- Register for sales tax