Ohio Cottage Food Label Template Requirements

Ohio's cottage food industry has been thriving since the state passed its Cottage Food Law in 2009. This law allows individuals to operate small, home-based food businesses, providing they follow specific guidelines and regulations. One of the critical aspects of running a successful cottage food business in Ohio is ensuring compliance with labeling requirements. In this article, we will delve into the Ohio cottage food label template requirements, discussing the necessary information, formatting, and design considerations.

Ohio's cottage food labeling requirements are outlined in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 3715.025 and the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) Section 901:3-20. These regulations ensure that consumers are provided with essential information about the product, including ingredients, allergens, and handling instructions.

Required Information

When creating a label for your Ohio cottage food product, you must include the following information:

Business Name and Address: Your business name and address, as registered with the Ohio Department of Agriculture, must be prominently displayed on the label.
Product Name: The name of your product, including any descriptive terms, such as "homemade" or "artisanal."
Ingredients: A list of all ingredients used in the product, in descending order by weight.
Net Weight: The net weight of the product, in both U.S. customary and metric units.
Price: The price of the product, if sold individually.
Handling Instructions: Any special handling instructions, such as "keep refrigerated" or "store in a cool, dry place."

Formatting and Design Considerations

While there is no specific template or design requirement for Ohio cottage food labels, there are some formatting guidelines to keep in mind:

Font Size and Style: Use a clear, legible font, with a minimum size of 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) for the required information.
Color: Use a color scheme that is easy to read and not overly decorative.
Label Size: Ensure the label is large enough to accommodate all the required information, but not so large that it overwhelms the product packaging.

Label Examples and Templates

To help you get started, here are some examples of Ohio cottage food label templates:

Ohio Cottage Food Label Template Example

You can also find pre-designed label templates online or use a label creation software to help you create your labels.

Common Labeling Mistakes to Avoid

When creating your Ohio cottage food labels, be sure to avoid these common mistakes:

Insufficient Information: Failing to include all the required information, such as business name and address, product name, ingredients, and handling instructions.
Poor Formatting: Using a font that is too small or difficult to read, or not leaving enough space for the required information.
Inconsistent Labeling: Using different labeling formats or designs for different products, which can lead to confusion and non-compliance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ohio's cottage food label template requirements are designed to ensure that consumers have access to essential information about the products they purchase. By following these guidelines and avoiding common labeling mistakes, you can create compliant and effective labels for your Ohio cottage food business.