I spoke with the Nebraska Department of Weights and Measures on July 25, 2024. Here is what they said about scales and cottage food producers:
- Purchase a reliable scale (anywhere)
- When measuring food, deduct the weight of the container so you get a true weight of the food/product
- See chart below to see if a certain food item is sold by “each” or by weight, and label your product accordingly
- Declare the weight of your product lower than it is
- For example, you are selling honey and it weighs 8 ¼ ounces. Label it at 8 ounces and it is good. There can be more of the item, but not less
- Contact information of the Department of Weights and Measures:
- The Nebraska Department of Weights and Measures
301 Centennial Mall S
Lincoln, NE 68508
402-471-2341
Guidelines for Sales at Farmers Markets, Roadside Stands and Other Commercial Outlets: https://nda.nebraska.gov/fscp/wam/wam_farmermarket.html
| Method of Sale | |
|---|---|
| Meat, fish and poultry | Sold by weight only |
| Loaves of bread | Sold by weight only |
| Rolls, buns, bread sticks, bagels, cookies, cupcakes, muffins, and brownies | Sold by weight or count |
| Cakes, pies, and other desserts | Sold by weight or size |
| Pizza (uncooked) | Sold by weight |
| Berries and small fruit | Sold by weight or volume* |
| Flour, corn meal and hominy grits | Sold by weight |
| Coffee (customary trade practice) | Sold by weight |
| Honey, jelly, and jams (customary trade practice) | Sold by weight |
| Tomatoes | Sold by weight or count - colume if one peck or more |
| Cherry tomatoes | Sold by weight or volume* |
| Potatoes | Sold by weight, measures, or count |
| Melons (whole) | Sold by weight or count |
| Candies (customary trade practice) | Sold by weights |
| Individual piece candy | Sold by weight or count |
| Pickles, pickled products (including relishes) | Sold by volume |
| One or two pickles in transparent wrapping | Sold by count |
* The individual vendors must choose one of these two methods.
| Package Labeling Requirements | |
|---|---|
Standard Packages Signs or individual labels must state: | Random Packages—this would be an example of cottage foods Each package must be labeled with: |
If you want your scale checked for accuracy by a certified professional: https://nda.nebraska.gov/fscp/wam/small.html
