New Mexico · Cottage Food

New Mexico cottage food label requirements and Homemade Food Act checker

Answer a few plain-English questions about what you make and how you want to sell it. We check it against New Mexico's Homemade Food Act, flag anything that falls out of the non-TCS direct-to-consumer path, and build you a personalized checklist and printable label draft.

Free permit walk-through Free label generation Free checklist
Free customized label/checklist after walk-through completion

Built from New Mexico Environment Department guidance and the 2021 Homemade Food Act text. Not legal advice and not state approval — rules can change, so verify final requirements with NMED before selling.

  • Free non-TCS checkSee whether your food still fits New Mexico's Homemade Food Act.
  • Free checklistTurn New Mexico's direct-sale and labeling rules into a practical next-step list.
  • Free label generationDraft the New Mexico label with the required contact details and exemption statement.

Do I need a cottage food permit in New Mexico?

Usually no for a qualifying non-TCS homemade food sold direct to the end consumer within New Mexico. The Homemade Food Act allows farmers-market sales, roadside stands, internet sales, home pickup/delivery, and in-state mail delivery without a permit from NMED. The biggest blockers are TCS foods, wholesale/resale, out-of-state sales, and starting production before getting the required food handler card.

New Mexico label fields

  • Processor name
  • Home address
  • Telephone number
  • Email address
  • Common food name
  • Ingredients in descending order of predominance
  • Statement: This product is home produced and is exempt from state licensing and inspection. This product may contain allergens.

Common New Mexico blockers

  • TCS / refrigerated foods
  • Salsa, acidified foods, canned pickled products, or canned fruits/vegetables
  • Restaurants, wholesalers, distributors, or out-of-state sales
  • CBD / hemp / hemp extract foods