Do you need a license to sell honey in Louisiana?

In most cases you can sell pure honey from your own bees in Louisiana without a food license.

Cottage food exemption (LRS 40:4.9). Low-risk foods including honey are capped at $30,000/yr.

What your Louisiana honey label must include

Start with the federal basics that apply in every state:

  • The word "Honey" (you can name the floral source, like "Wildflower Honey", if it is the main source)
  • Net weight in both US and metric, in the bottom 30 percent of the front label
  • Your name and address
  • No ingredient list is needed for pure honey; add one the moment you add anything

Then, for Louisiana: Raw honey (not pasteurized, filtered or processed) is exempt from the statement. Other exempt foods need a statement clearly indicating the food was not produced in a licensed or regulated facility; the law sets the requirement, not one fixed sentence.

For the full federal rules, including when a nutrition panel is required, see our honey labeling requirements guide.

The official Louisiana source

These rules are set by Louisiana Department of Health. This reflects their published guidance; still confirm the current details before printing.

Read the official Louisiana guidance.

Quick checklist for Louisiana

  • The word "Honey"
  • Net weight in US and metric, bottom 30 percent of the front
  • Your name and address
  • The Louisiana statement or disclaimer described above
  • Optional but recommended: "Do not feed honey to infants under one year of age"