When deciding whether to sell food on Shef, it's important for you to understand the laws in your city and state. As a marketplace, we do not provide legal advice, but we want to provide useful links and information that may help you better understand laws and regulations in Louisiana. This list is not exhaustive and there may be additional requirements or considerations based on your individual circumstances.

Louisiana passed its cottage food law in 2013 by enacting Louisiana Act 542 which permitted the sale of “low-risk foods” prepared in home kitchen. It expanded the law in 2017 with the passage of Louisiana HB 1270 and increased the gross annual sales threshold in 2022 with the passage of Louisiana HB 828.

Sellers are required to follow all state and local rules. If you would like to sell food items that are not covered by these laws, you are required to cook out of a commercial kitchen or other legal facility.

If you determine you need commercial kitchen space based on the regulations in your jurisdiction and your menu, there are many spaces for rent, including but not limited to a list we maintain here. If you need additional referrals, please email help@shef.com. Please note, we can't verify whether our referrals will meet your specific needs so be sure to do your own diligence before partnering with any location

Shef will determine whether sales tax is applicable, and will collect and remit those sales taxes on behalf of cooks and consumers who use the marketplace.

Additionally, shefs should consult a tax professional regarding their own personal income or other taxes. Cooks may need to obtain a business registration or tax permit depending on where they live, and should check their local city or county website for additional information.

Maintaining the safety of the Shef community is our number one priority. All shefs are required to pass an accredited food safety certification exam and must maintain minimum quality ratings. The State of Louisiana accepts certification from the following third party ANSI approved providers: ServSafe, National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, 360Training, Always Food Safe, and 1 AAA Food Safety.