First Saturday - April 2026

In Tennessee, homemade baked goods sold at a farmers market fall under the Tennessee Food Freedom Act (TFFA) (sometimes referred to as the state’s cottage food law). This law makes it very business-friendly to sell food made in a home kitchen, but it does require specific labeling so consumers know what they’re buying and where it came from. ? General Labeling Requirements (for baked goods sold at farmers markets) Under Tennessee’s Food Freedom Act, every homemade food product you sell must include the following information, either on the packaging label or, if not pre-packaged, on a sign at your booth: Producer’s Information Your name Your home address (physical street address; P.O. Boxes may not be accepted in all interpretations of the law) Your telephone number Product Name The common or usual name of what you’re selling (e.g., Chocolate Chip Cookies) Ingredients List All ingredients listed in descending order of predominance by weight If you want to make your label more helpful, you should disclose major allergens (e.g., Contains: wheat, eggs, milk) even though it’s technically a recommendation rather than a separate requirement. Net Weight/Quantity The amount of product in the package in both Imperial and Metric units (e.g., ounces and grams) — especially important for pre-packaged items. Required Disclaimer The legally required statement: “This product was produced at a private residence that is exempt from state licensing and inspection. This product may contain allergens.” ? Where the Labeling Info Must Appear Depending on how your product is sold at the farmers market: Packaged products: all required info must be on a label attached to the package. Bulk or unpackaged goods: you must have the info on a label on the bulk container or on a placard/sign displayed at your booth. ? Notes for Bakers Tennessee does not require a state food license, permit, inspection, or food safety training to sell cottage food at a farmers market. The law broadly allows selling non-hazardous baked goods (cookies, breads, cakes that don’t require refrigeration) directly to consumers. If you sell online or take phone orders, the same information must be clearly accessible to customers (e.g., on your website or upon request). ? Additional Tips Even though state law doesn’t require it, many sellers include allergen highlights (like Contains: wheat, milk, soy) to make it easier for customers with food sensitivities. Keep clear records of what you sell in case of a complaint or food safety question — Tennessee recommends having traceability information like lot numbers or production dates.