DSHS Registration
Getting your home address off your labels, selling refrigerated foods, or becoming a cottage food vendor.
SB 541 has provided 3 separate and distinct opportunities to register with DSHS:
- You can register with DSHS to get a unique identifier number to put on your labels instead of your home address. If you don’t want to register, you can keep using your home address.
- You must register with DSHS if you want to begin selling foods that require Time and Temperature Control for Safety (foods that require refrigeration).
- A person who wishes to become a “Cottage Food Vendor” to sell cottage foods wholesale at a farmer’s market, farm stand, retail store, or food establishment must register with the Department. Registration is only required for the 3rd party who is going to be SELLING the food, not the actual cottage food producer (for example, the owner of the restaurant buying your food to sell in his restaurant would register).
So, how do I register?
Great question. DSHS staff have assured us that when they do roll out registration, it will be done via self-service through their website, and it will be free.
The bad news is, SB 541 becomes effective on September 1, 2025, and they have no idea when this online self-service registration will be available.
Staff have assured us they will have an “interim registration” system up and running by September 1 – but they have no idea what it will look like or when it will be impelemented.
As soon as we know something, it will be posted here.
FAQ about registration:
Q: Does registering with DSHS open me up to inspections of my home kitchen, or any additional regulation?
A: No, this is literally just a registration, not a back door to further regulation. DSHS or a local health department still can’t inspect your kitchen, ask to see pictures of your kitchen, or regulate your cottage food business in any way. The only way they can come into your house is if they convince a judge that your operation poses a serious and immediate threat to human life and health, and they get a warrant to enter.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: So far, we have been assured that registration will be free.
Q: If I am not selling foods that require refrigeration, and I don’t want to be a cottage food vendor, and I am fine with the home address on my labels, is there any reason for me to register?
A: No.
