Maple Syrup and Honey

Michigan Maple Syrup and Honey Licensing Exemptions 

Under the Michigan Food Law, honey or maple syrup retail outlets and processing facilities operated by the producer are exempt from licensure, if gross sales up to $50,000 yearly, however, $75,000 is allowable if the maple syrup or honey operation sells products at a price of $250 or more per unit. 

Honey and maple syrup are not considered cottage foods, because there are some significant differences. They do, however, have their own set of licensing exemptions and requirements:

• Honey and maple syrup producers who meet licensing exemptions must label their honey and maple syrup as "Processed in a facility not inspected by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development".

Sample labels for Maple Syrup and Honey:

• Honey and maple syrup producers who meet the licensing exemptions still must meet all requirements of the Michigan Food Law, including sanitation, building construct and design, employee hygiene, etc.
• Honey and maple syrup must be produced in a facility that meets basic processing requirements, as outlined in the Michigan Food Law.
• Honey and maple syrup producers can wholesale their products, including to grocery stores and other retailers who will then resell them, as long as they are labeled correctly.