Check the special guidelines for Chicago.

There are two types of farmers markets operating in the city of Chicago:

City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). The City of Chicago DCASE prohibits the sale of home-prepared foods under the Illinois Cottage Food Operation Law Public Act 100-1069 (Senate Bill 0457) at this group of Farmer’s Markets.

Chicago Independent Farmers Markets (CIFM) This type is sponsored by local businesses and nonprofit organizations. These independent farmers markets in Chicago, as well as farmers markets outside of Chicago, may allow such foods to be sold. If you wish to sell home-prepared cottage foods at these locations and you live in Chicago, you must register with the Chicago Department of Public Health.

All cottage food operators and any persons preparing or packaging products as part of a cottage food operation must have completed the American National Standards Institute accredited Certified Food Protection Managers course and exam prior to registering the cottage food operation. If the cottage food operation resides in the city of Chicago, the cottage food operator must also obtain a Chicago Department of Public Health food service sanitation certificate.

For more information visit the City of Chicago: City Services — Public Health, Healthy Chicago website.

Register a Cottage Food Operation

To obtain a paper copy of the registration form, call (312) 746-8030 and request a paper copy of the registration form to be mailed to you.

The Chicago Department of Public Health Food Protection Program
2133 W. Lexington Street, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60612
Phone: (312) 746-8030
Fax: (312) 746-8099
email: cdphfood@cityofchicago.org 

For information on cottage food operations in Suburban Cook County, outside of the city of Chicago, contact the Cook County Department of Public Health or complete an application and submit to:

Cook County Department of Public Health
Environmental Health Services Unit
10220 S. 76th Avenue
Bridgeview, Illinois 60455
Phone: (708) 974-7118
Fax:  (708) 974-7120