AI-Powered Food Safety
Is your product safe to sell under cottage food law?
The TCS Product Classifier analyzes whether your product requires temperature control for safety — and what that means for your specific state's rules.
Understanding Food Safety
What is TCS?
TCS stands for Time/Temperature Control for Safety. These are foods that can support the growth of harmful bacteria if not stored at proper temperatures. Most cottage food laws restrict or outright prohibit TCS products — and the rules vary wildly by state.
Why it matters
Selling a TCS product without proper authorization can result in fines, forced recalls, or losing your right to sell under cottage food law. The rules are different in every state.
Common TCS products
Cream cheese frostings, custard-filled baked goods, fresh salsa, meat products, dairy-based sauces, and anything with low acidity or high moisture that bacteria love.
Common non-TCS products
Honey, shelf-stable jams, cookies, breads, vinegar-based hot sauces, and properly acidified preserves. These are typically safe under most cottage food laws.
Try it now
Sample TCS Classification
Pick a product and a state below to see how the classifier works. The full tool uses AI to analyze any product description you enter — with state-specific regulatory context.
Analysis
State Context
Recommended Next Steps
Want a classification for your actual product? The full tool analyzes any product you describe — with AI-powered reasoning tailored to your state.
Get your classification →Classification System
Four possible verdicts
Every classification returns one of four verdicts, each with a confidence level, detailed reasoning, and actionable next steps specific to your state.
Product is shelf-stable. Generally permitted under cottage food law in your state.
Product requires temp control but your state allows it with specific conditions.
Allowed with significant restrictions. Check requirements before selling.
Not permitted under your state's cottage food law. Alternative paths may exist.
Inside the tool
How it works
Three steps from question to answer. No guesswork, no Googling, no calling your state health department.
Describe your product
Tell us what you make — ingredients, preparation method, how it's stored. Be as detailed as you want; the AI uses every detail to improve accuracy.
Select your state
Choose from all 50 states, DC, and 5 US territories. The classifier pulls your state's specific cottage food regulations and applies them to your product.
Get your verdict
Receive a clear classification with confidence level, detailed reasoning, state-specific context, and concrete next steps — saved to your account for reference.
Ready to classify your product?
Stop guessing. Start selling with confidence.
The full TCS Product Classifier uses AI to analyze any product description with state-specific regulatory context. Available to Artisan Pro members.