Wholesale Manufactured Foods New Business Guide
Maple Syrup and Honey

Under the Michigan Food Law, honey or maple syrup retail outlets and processing facilities operated by the producer are exempt from licensure if the entity’s gross annual sales are $50,000 or less. 

Further information and labeling requirements can be found on MDARD’s Michigan Maple Syrup and Honey Licensing Exemptions web page. 

Maple Syrup

• A food license may be required for further processing of maple syrup such as maple candy, maple sugar, infused maple syrup, flavored maple syrup, or other products not specified in the Michigan Food Law exemption or if you exceed $50,000/year in gross annual sales. 
• Some maple syrup-based products can be produced under the Michigan Cottage Foods Law. 

Honey

• A food license is required for the production of pasteurized honey or other products not specified in the Michigan Food Law exemption or if you exceed $50,000/year in gross annual sales.  
• Some honey-based products can be produced under the Michigan Cottage Foods Law.
• For more information, see the FDA’s Proper Labeling of Honey and Honey Products web page.