The New Oklahoma Food Freedom Act of 2021

As far as cottage food laws go by state, it is widely known that Oklahoma ranked as one of the worst states. The restrictions were numerous and it made making profit difficult with all the rules and regulations. The new Food Freedom Act of 2021 that was unanimously approved has changed all that, making Oklahoma’s cottage law one of the best in the country.

Before, the Oklahoma Home Bakery Act of 2013 allowed home bakers to sell only from their homes. They could only make $20,000 a year and they were only allowed to sell baked goods, no jams, jellies, and other goodies allowed. This was known as one of the strictest cottage food laws in America.

After trying to pass amendments in both 2014 and 2015, the state finally succeeded in 2017. With the new amended Home Bakery Act, the home bakers found a little more freedom of how to sell their goods, but again this act was very strict. The 2017 amendment allowed bakers to sell at home, at farmer’s markets (with appropriate sales tax permit), food cooperatives, by phone or internet (delivery only allowed in Oklahoma), or in member-based buying clubs such as desserts of the month clubs.

One thing that stayed the same with the Amendment was the amount allowed to make remained the same $20,000. This did open more doors for the home bakers, but compared to other states it was not considered a good cottage food law.

Now Oklahoma has passed a bill that opens many avenues for the home baker. November 1st, 2021, marks the day this bill goes into effect. Many things have changed from the previous bill. Where before the home baker could only make $20,000 a year it is now $75,000. They have also changed the items that can be sold. Before it could only be baked goods. Jams, jellies, salsas, and other canned goods could not be sold, but with this new bill, the limits only include no meat, poultry, seafood, or cannabis.

Another marked improvement is the avenue of sales. Before the home baker could only sell from their home or farmers’ markets. Now the home baker can have their items available in stores, as well as selling at events and festivals. This gives the home baker ample opportunity to make the most out of their product.

Oklahoma has hit the mark on this one. I wish all my fellow home bakers good luck and many, many sales.