Home Kitchen
Not Allowed
Registration
Required
Nevada’s current cottage food law (NRS 446.866 / SB206) allows only non-potentially hazardous, shelf-stable foods from a home kitchen. The Southern Nevada Health District’s FAQ lists the only cottage categories allowed: nuts/mixes, candies, jams/jellies/preserves, vinegar/flavored vinegar, dry herbs/seasonings, dried fruits, cereals/trail mix/granola, popcorn, and non-PHF baked goods.
1. Can you sell charcuterie boards from home in Nevada?
No.
Nevada’s current cottage food law (NRS 446.866 / SB206) allows only non-potentially hazardous, shelf-stable foods from a home kitchen. The Southern Nevada Health District’s FAQ lists the only cottage categories allowed: nuts/mixes, candies, jams/jellies/preserves, vinegar/flavored vinegar, dry herbs/seasonings, dried fruits, cereals/trail mix/granola, popcorn, and non-PHF baked goods. Southern Nevada Health District+1
It also repeatedly states animal products are not allowed and foods needing refrigeration are not cottage foods. Southern Nevada Health District
Because classic charcuterie boards include:
- cured meats (animal product, TCS)
- cheeses/dairy (TCS)
- cut produce/dips that often require refrigeration
…they’re TCS/perishable, so they cannot be made or sold from a Nevada home kitchen under cottage law. Southern Nevada Health District+1
Translation: In Nevada, home-based charcuterie boards/boxes/cups with meat or cheese are not legal.
2. AB352 (2025) — what changed and when
Nevada passed AB352 in 2025, but per SNHD’s official notice, it does not take effect until July 2027. Until then, cottage foods stay under the current strict SB206 rules and are registered through local health districts. Southern Nevada Health District
So nothing about charcuterie legality changes today.
3. What is allowed from home in Nevada (good early-stage lane)
You can still build your brand from home with Nevada-approved non-TCS products, like:
- crackers/breadsticks (shelf stable)
- spice blends / dry rubs
- candied nuts, snack mixes, granola
- jams/honey pairings
- shelf-stable sweets
- —all within the limited cottage categories. Southern Nevada Health District+1
Nevada cottage food requirements you must follow
Key rules from SNHD + other district docs:
- Registration required with your local health district (SNHD for Clark County; Washoe/Northern NV PH; Central NV HD; etc.). Southern Nevada Health District+1
- Annual gross sales cap: $35,000/year. Southern Nevada Health District+2Southern Nevada Health District+2
- Direct-to-consumer only; no resale/wholesale. Cottage foods can’t be sold to restaurants, stores, or other permitted food establishments. Southern Nevada Health District
- In-person exchange only. Nevada cottage law prohibits selling by internet/phone for shipment; you can advertise online, but the sale must be person-to-person and delivered by you in person. Southern Nevada Health District+1
- Where you may sell: your home or approved direct venues like licensed farmers markets, craft fairs, flea/swap meets, church bazaars, garage sales, etc. Southern Nevada Health District+2Central Nevada Health District+2
- Labeling required with ingredients/allergens and the disclaimer:
- “MADE IN A COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT FOOD SAFETY INSPECTION.” Southern Nevada Health District+1
- Food safety training / home inspection: generally not required for cottage foods, though some districts encourage training and may inspect only for complaints. Central Nevada Health District+1
- Business license: often required locally (city/county), even though cottage foods aren’t a health-permitted establishment. Southern Nevada Health District
4. Nevada “craft foods” are a separate program (still not charcuterie)
Nevada has a Craft Food program (acidified/pickled/canned foods) under the Nevada Department of Agriculture. SNHD notes this is not part of cottage food law and has its own rules. Southern Nevada Health District
It doesn’t open the door to meat/cheese charcuterie.
5. What you need to sell real charcuterie in Nevada
To sell meat-and-cheese boards, grazing boxes, cups, or tables, you must go commercial.
You’ll need:
1. An approved commercial/commissary kitchen. TCS foods must be prepared in a permitted facility, not a private residence. Nevada Legislature+1
2. A Food Establishment (retail/processing) or Catering permit, issued and inspected by your local health authority (Clark County = SNHD; Washoe = NNPH; rural = CNHD/DPBH). Permitted establishments require plan review (if building), pre-opening inspection, and ongoing inspections. Nevada Legislature+2Southern Nevada Health District+2
3. Inspected sourcing:
o meats from USDA/state-inspected suppliers
o pasteurized commercial cheeses/dairy
o keep invoices for proof of source. (Standard food-code requirement your inspector will enforce.) Southern Nevada Health District+1
4. Temporary event permits if you assemble/serve boards on-site at festivals, wineries, etc. Central Nevada Health District+1
6. Nevada startup lanes (pick your path)
Lane A — Home-based brand builder (legal now)
Non-TCS only
1. Register with your local health district
2. Stay inside the narrow allowed list
3. Label with the required disclaimer
4. Sell only direct, in-person, ≤$35k/yr
Southern Nevada Health District+2Southern Nevada Health District+2
Lane B — Full charcuterie business
Commercial kitchen + permit
1. Secure commissary/commercial kitchen
2. Apply for retail food/catering permit with your local health authority
3. Pass inspection
4. Run strict cold-chain + sanitation SOPs
Important Disclaimer
This information is provided for general guidance only. Cottage food laws can change and may vary by county or municipality within the state. Always verify current regulations with your state and local health departments before starting your cottage food business. This is not legal advice.