California cottage food law
California Cottage Food Law — 189 pages and 58 counties
Full California PDF (189 pages). This page stays free.
Last updated: · Research verified · Full guide in Cottage Pro ($15 one time) (189 pages)
Full California PDF (189 pages). This page stays free.
Print California labels for your first market
Print California labels for your first market
After the law page, this is the next thing most bakers need: a print-ready mockup with the California home-kitchen disclaimer, allergen line, and net-weight fields.
Made in a Home Kitchen
The Crosodo 50-State Cottage Food Label Packet (287 pages) is included in Cottage Pro — 287 pages of per-state rules, official examples, and county extras. Open the combined packet. The California mockup above stays free.
- Product name, producer, and address (or allowed alternative)
- Ingredients by weight and major allergens
- Net weight / quantity
- California home-kitchen / “not inspected” disclaimer
Not legal advice. Verify wording with the state agency before a production print run.
What does the official California state handout say?
Cottage Food Operations and Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations — Frequently Asked Questions
Official agency guidance changes without notice. The text below is reproduced for reference only — always confirm current rules on the agency website before relying on it.
- California Department of Public Healthhttps://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/CDPH%20Document%20Library/FDB/FoodSafetyProgram/MEHKOandCFOFAQs.pdf
Cottage Food Operations (CFOs) are a low-risk operation based on a limited number of nonhazardous food products that can be stored. Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs) are allowed to produce potentially hazardous foods but must serve the same day it is prepared without storage. Operations beyond the scope of a CFO or MEHKO are welcome to apply for a retail food permit from the local environmental health authority or a processed food registration from CDPH.
CFO and MEHKO (CDPH)
- No. One residence cannot have both a CFO and a MEHKO. The law does not allow a CFO and a MEHKO in the same residence. The definition of a MEHKO does not include a CFO (see HSC 113825(b)).
- No. A cottage food operator is an individual who operates a cottage food operation in his or her private home and is the owner. (see Health and Safety Code section 113758).
- A MEHKO is a food facility that is operated by a resident in a private home where food is stored, handled and prepared (see Health and Safety Code section 113825).
- Both a CFO and MEHKO have limitations for the gross dollar amount allowed, number of employees, type of operation, allowed foods, etc. in a single residence. The law does not allow limits to be aggregated by multiple operations in the same residence.
- No. See Answer 1 and 2.
Cottage Food Operations (CFO) FAQ
- No. CDPH does not permit or register Cottage Food Operations. Class A registration and Class B permits go through the county Environmental Health agency. CDPH only maintains the approved cottage foods list.
- Class A is direct sales only (up to $75,000 gross a year). Class B is direct plus indirect (up to $150,000). 2026 CPI-adjusted limits: Class A $88,878, Class B $177,756.
- A CFO is an enterprise at a private home where low-risk food products are prepared, packaged, and labeled for sale to consumers.
- Private home means a dwelling, including an apartment or other leased space, where individuals reside.
- Yes. A CFO is restricted to gross annual sales amounts set by law (Class A and Class B have separate caps, adjusted periodically).
- Yes. A CFO can have one full-time equivalent employee (not counting family members or household members).
- The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) established and maintains a list of approved cottage food categories on their website and will implement a process by which new foods can be added or removed from the list. Only the foods listed by the CDPH will be approved to be made in a CFO.
- No. Class A registrations and Class B health permits are not transferable between persons, locations, types of food sold, or types of distributions.
- Yes. A person who prepares cottage food products must obtain Food Worker certification from their county within three months of being registered or permitted.
- Class A CFOs are only allowed to engage in direct sales of cottage food.
- Class B CFOs may engage in both direct sales and indirect sales of cottage food.
- Direct Sale: A transaction within the state of California between a cottage food operator and a consumer, where the consumer purchases the cottage food product directly from the CFO. Direct sales include, but are not limited to, transactions at holiday bazaars or other temporary events, such as bake sales or food swaps, transactions at farm stands, certified farmers' markets, or through community-supported agriculture subscriptions, and transactions made via the phone, internet, or any other digital method. A direct sale may be fulfilled in person, via mail delivery, or using any other third-party delivery service.
- Indirect Sale: A transaction within the state of California between a cottage food operator, a third-party retailer, and a consumer, where the consumer purchases cottage food products made by the CFO from a third-party retailer that holds a valid permit issued by the local Environmental Health agency. Indirect sales include, but are not limited to, sales made to retail shops or to retail food facilities where food may be immediately consumed on the premises. An indirect sale may be fulfilled in person, via mail delivery, or using another third-party delivery service.
- Planning/Zoning: All CFOs need to obtain approval from their local city or county planning department. Depending on the jurisdiction, a CFO may be required to obtain either a Home Occupation Permit and business license from their local city planning department, or an Exemption Letter from the county Land Use Services. Planning department requirements may vary between jurisdictions.
- Environmental Health: For "Class A" CFOs (direct sale only), registration with the local environmental health department and submission of a completed "Self-Certification Checklist" is required. For "Class B" CFOs (direct and indirect sales), a health permit and submission of a completed "Self-Certification Checklist" is required.
- Both Class A and B will require proof of residency via driver's license, or utility bill, etc. Both Class A and B operations once approved will require a yearly fee.
- Class A kitchens and food storage areas (referenced in the law as the "registered or permitted area") are not subject to initial or routine inspections.
- Class B kitchens and food storage areas are inspected initially prior to permit issuance, and then annually thereafter.
- The local environmental health agency may access, for inspection purposes, the registered or permitted location where the cottage food operation takes place only if the representative has, on the basis of a consumer complaint, reason to suspect adulterated or otherwise unsafe food has been produced by the cottage food operation or that the cottage food operation is found to be in violation of California food safety laws on cottage food operations.
- A person with a contagious illness shall refrain from working.
- Proper hand-washing shall be completed prior to any food preparation or packaging.
- Water used in the preparation of cottage food products must be potable. This includes washing, rinsing, and sanitizing equipment used in food preparation, and water used as an ingredient of cottage food.
- No domestic activity in the kitchen during cottage food preparation.
- No infants, small children, or pets in kitchen during cottage food preparation.
- Kitchen equipment and utensils washed, rinsed, and sanitized before each use.
- All food contact surfaces washed, rinsed, and sanitized before each use.
- All food preparation and storage areas free of vermin and pests.
- No smoking in kitchen area during preparation or processing of cottage food.
- CFOs can only sell cottage food outside their county of residence when the local environmental health agency of the outside county allows it.
- No. There are no beverages included in the list of food products allowed to be produced in CFOs, so pressing apples to make and sell apple cider is not allowed under a CFO registration or permit.
- All cottage food products must be properly labeled in compliance with the Federal, Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. Sec. 343 et seq.). The label should include: the name used to describe the cottage food; business name of the CFO which produced it; address of where the CFO takes place; ingredients (must include sub-ingredients), in predominance of weight; declaration if food contains applicable food allergens such as milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat; net weight (count, weight, or volume) stated in (pound) units and metric units (grams); the words "Made in a home kitchen" or "Repackaged in a home kitchen" in 12-point type; registration or permit number of Class A or B which produced the food product; name of the county issuing the registration and health permit.
- In a permitted retail food facility, cottage food products served without packaging or labeling shall be identified to the customer as homemade on the menu, menu board or other easily accessible/visible location.
CDPH does not permit or register Cottage Food Operations. Class A registration and Class B permits go through the county Environmental Health agency. CDPH only maintains the approved foods list. Class A is direct sales only (up to $75,000 gross a year); Class B is direct plus indirect (up to $150,000). 2026 CPI-adjusted limits: Class A $88,878, Class B $177,756 (statutory bases $75,000 / $150,000). Verify current rules with your local environmental health agency.
Cottage Pro — $15 one time
This page is the free California statute. Cottage Pro is the apply checklist and workspace.
Pick your California county
The Cottage Baker's Field Guide (PDF)
A 6-page reference covering all 51 jurisdictions with methodology and tier explainers — same data as this directory, ready to print and tape to your wall.
Download the PDFFree email alerts
California Cottage Food Updates
New bills, rule changes and local news for home bakers in California. Every story links to its source.
What does the Good tier mean for California?
Tier: Good. Solid baseline with moderate restrictions — typically a high cap (often $50K+) and standard direct-to-consumer rules. Workable for most home bakers.
California cottage food law — quick summary
California cottage food law in 2026: summary
Last verified against the official sources linked on each line.
- California has two kinds of cottage food operation (CFO). Class A may make only direct sales to consumers. Class B may make direct sales and indirect sales through permitted third-party retail food facilities.(source: Cal. Health & Safety Code 113758)
- 2026 gross annual sales limits (CPI-adjusted, effective January 1, 2026): $88,878 for Class A and $177,756 for Class B.(source: CDPH, CFO Adjusted Gross Annual Sales Limit (2026))
- CDPH does not register or permit CFOs. Class A registers with the county (local enforcement agency) Environmental Health department with a self-certification checklist; Class B gets a permit from it.(source: CDPH, Cottage Food Operation Requirements)
- Products must be on CDPH's Approved Cottage Food List and be nonpotentially hazardous.(source: CDPH, Cottage Food Operation Requirements)
What changed in the 2026 California cottage food law?
California cottage food rules, topic by topic
What you can sell in California
- Cottage food products are nonpotentially hazardous foods prepared for sale in the kitchen of a cottage food operation.(source: Cal. Health & Safety Code 113758)
- Foods must be on the Approved Cottage Food List maintained by CDPH.(source: CDPH, Cottage Food Operation Requirements)
California sales limit (2026)
- Class A: $88,878. Class B: $177,756. Effective January 1, 2026, based on the 2024-2025 CPI adjustment of 3.1%.(source: CDPH, CFO Adjusted Gross Annual Sales Limit (2026))
- A CFO may have no more than one full-time equivalent employee, not counting family or household members.(source: Cal. Health & Safety Code 113758)
Where and how you can sell
- Direct sales include holiday bazaars, bake sales, food swaps, farm stands, certified farmers' markets, CSA subscriptions, in-person sales at the CFO, and phone or internet sales, fulfilled in person, by mail, or by third-party delivery.(source: Cal. Health & Safety Code 113758)
- Indirect sales (Class B only) go through a permitted third-party retailer, such as a retail shop or a retail food facility where food is eaten on the premises.(source: Cal. Health & Safety Code 113758)
- Both direct and indirect sales must be transactions within California.(source: Cal. Health & Safety Code 113758)
Registration and permits in California
- All CFOs are registered or permitted at the local level by the county Environmental Health department; CDPH does not permit or register CFOs.(source: CDPH, Cottage Food Operation Requirements)
- Class A: register with the local enforcement agency and submit its approved self-certification checklist. Class B: obtain a permit from the local enforcement agency.(source: CDPH, Cottage Food Operation Requirements)
Home kitchen operating rules
- No CFO work while other domestic activities are going on in the kitchen (family meals, dishwashing, laundry, entertaining), and no infants, small children, or pets in the kitchen during CFO work.(source: CDPH, Cottage Food Operation Requirements)
- Food contact surfaces, equipment, and utensils must be washed, rinsed, and sanitized before each use, and no smoking in CFO areas while cottage food is being handled.(source: CDPH, Cottage Food Operation Requirements)
County differences in California
- Because each county's Environmental Health agency runs CFO registration and permits, the application, checklist, and fees come from your county, not the state.(source: CDPH, Cottage Food Operation Requirements)
Last verified .
How do I start a cottage food business in California?
How to start in California
A practical path from “am I allowed?” to first sale. Not legal advice — confirm every step with California agencies and your local offices.
CDPH does not register CFOs
CDPH does not permit or register Cottage Food Operations. Class A registration and Class B permits go through the county Environmental Health agency. CDPH only maintains the approved cottage foods list. Class A is direct sales only (up to $75,000 gross a year). Class B is direct plus indirect (up to $150,000). 2026 CPI-adjusted gross annual sales limits (effective January 1, 2026): Class A $88,878, Class B $177,756. Statutory bases: $75,000 / $150,000, adjusted annually for inflation (Cal. Health & Safety Code §113758).
Confirm your products are allowed
California allows Only foods on the official state-approved foods list may be sold; this includes most non-perishable foods such as baked goods, jams and preserves, candies, chocolates, dried goods, and spices. Class A operations are limited to direct sales (including online and shipping within California); Class B operations may additionally sell through retail stores and restaurants.. High-risk or refrigerated foods usually need a commercial kitchen — not a cottage exemption.
Choose sales channels you can actually use
Sales cap: Tiered (see notes). Indirect / wholesale-style sales: Limited (see notes). Farmers markets and direct-to-consumer pickup are the usual start. Check county and city rules before advertising porch pickup.
Clear local zoning, licenses, and tax IDs
State cottage food rules are the floor. Your city or county may still require a business license, home occupation approval, HOA permission, or sales tax registration. Do this before you print an address on Instagram.
Registration, training, and kitchen rules
State registration: Not with CDPH. County Environmental Health registers Class A (direct) and permits Class B (direct plus indirect).. Food handler / training: Yes (specific course). Kitchen inspection: No. Complete certificates the market or agency will ask for.
Build compliant labels
Use the California label requirements on this site (and the free template). Match disclaimer language to the statute or agency guide before you print a batch.
Soft-launch, then first paid sales
Keep a simple sales log from day one so you stay under any annual cap. Soft-launch with pre-orders before a full market day.
Verify with official sources
Re-check the state cottage food page and your local health / planning office before you invest in equipment or marketing. Rules change.
What usually goes on the package
- Product name (common or usual name of the food)
- Business or producer name
- Producer address (or address alternative your state allows)
- Ingredients in descending order by weight
- Major allergen disclosures (e.g. wheat, milk, eggs, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, sesame)
- Net weight or quantity
- Home-kitchen disclaimer: “Made in a Home Kitchen”
This is a planning checklist compiled for home bakers. It is not legal, tax, or zoning advice.
What are the California sales cap, allowed products and registration rules?
Tiered (see notes)
Only foods on the official state-approved foods list may be sold; this includes most non-perishable foods such as baked goods, jams and preserves, candies, chocolates, dried goods, and spices. Class A operations are limited to direct sales (including online and shipping within California); Class B operations may additionally sell through retail stores and restaurants.
Registration: County EH — not CDPH. Food handler cert: Yes (specific course).
What does the California cottage food statute say?
California Homemade Food Act (AB 1616, amended AB 1144/AB 831)
Verbatim excerpt(a) "Cottage food operation" means an enterprise that has no more than the amount in gross annual sales that is specified in this subdivision, is operated by a cottage food operator, and has no more than one full-time equivalent cottage food employee, not including a family member or household member of the cottage food operator, within the registered or permitted area of a private home where the cottage food operator resides and where cottage food products are prepared or packaged for direct, indirect, or direct and indirect sale to consumers pursuant to this part. A "Class A" cottage food operation shall not have more than seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) in verifiable gross annual sales. A "Class B" cottage food operation shall not have more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) in verifiable gross annual sales. The gross annual sales for a "Class A" or "Class B" cottage food operation shall be annually adjusted for inflation based on the California Consumer Price Index. (1) A "Class A" cottage food operation, which is a cottage food operation that may engage only in direct sales of cottage food products from the cottage food operation or other direct sales venues. (2) A "Class B" cottage food operation, which is a cottage food operation that may engage in both direct sales and indirect sales of cottage food products from the cottage food operation, from direct sales venues, from offsite events, or from a third-party retail food facility. (3) "Cottage food products" means nonpotentially hazardous foods, including foods that are described in Section 114365.5 and that are prepared for sale in the kitchen of a cottage food operation. (4) "Direct sale" means a transaction within the state between a cottage food operation and a consumer, in which the consumer purchases the cottage food product directly from the cottage food operation. Direct sales include, but are not limited to, transactions at holiday bazaars or other temporary events, such as bake sales or food swaps, transactions at farm stands, certified farmers' markets, or through community-supported agriculture subscriptions.
Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC§ionNum=113758 →
How does California compare with neighboring states?
California vs neighboring cottage food laws
Tier and sales-cap snapshot for California and nearby states. Click through for full rules, labeling, and county pages.
| State | Tier | Sales cap | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| CaliforniaYou are here | Good | Tiered (see notes) | This page |
| Arizona | Great | None | Arizona law → |
| Nevada | Okay | 100000 | Nevada law → |
| Oregon | Good | 50000 | Oregon law → |
Need a compliant product label for California? Open the California label mockup (free), or the Cottage Pro — 287-page label packet included.
Notes on California cottage food rules
Where can I verify California's rules?
Where to verify California's rules
California special guides
Which California counties are covered?
California Counties
58 counties tracked. Pick yours for the local zoning + health department links.
View all 58 counties →What are the city zoning rules in California?
City zoning rules in California
City zoning rules apply on top of the state cottage food law — home occupation, customer pickup, signage, and employees.
Was this page helpful?
California cottage food law — FAQ
Do I need a license or permit to sell homemade food in California?
Yes — County EH — not CDPH. Food handler certification: Yes (specific course).
What foods can I sell under the California cottage food law?
Only foods on the official state-approved foods list may be sold; this includes most non-perishable foods such as baked goods, jams and preserves, candies, chocolates, dried goods, and spices. Class A operations are limited to direct sales (including online and shipping within California); Class B operations may additionally sell through retail stores and restaurants.
Is there a sales cap for cottage food in California?
Tiered (see notes)
How good is California's cottage food law?
California is a Good-tier cottage food state by Crosodo's rating criteria. Solid baseline with moderate restrictions — typically a high cap (often $50K+) and standard direct-to-consumer rules. Workable for most home bakers.
What is the difference between a Class A and Class B cottage food operation in California?
Class A may engage only in direct sales of cottage food products. Class B may engage in both direct sales and indirect sales through a permitted third-party retail food facility. Class A registers with a self-certification checklist; Class B needs a permit from the local Environmental Health agency.(source: CDPH, Cottage Food Operation Requirements)
What is the California cottage food sales limit in 2026?
Effective January 1, 2026, the CPI-adjusted gross annual sales limits are $88,878 for Class A and $177,756 for Class B. The statute's base amounts are $75,000 and $150,000, adjusted annually for inflation.(source: CDPH, CFO Adjusted Gross Annual Sales Limit (2026))
Can I sell California cottage food online?
Yes, within the state. Direct sales include transactions made by phone, internet, or any other digital method, and may be fulfilled in person, by mail, or by a third-party delivery service.(source: Cal. Health & Safety Code 113758)
Keep exploring California
Keep exploring California
Labels, product checks, county zoning, and local discuss — so one state page becomes a full readiness plan.
Market-day tees from the Crosodo collection — for the craft, not the algorithm.
What do bakers ask about California?
What bakers ask about California
Seed threads for markets, zoning, and labels — join the channel or ask the directory.
Farmers market process in California?
Which markets welcome cottage bakers, what they charge, and label checks on day one.
Good label printers in California?
Local print shops or home setups that handle home-kitchen disclaimers cleanly.
Zoning experience in California counties?
Home occupation, pickup traffic, signage — what did your planning office actually require?
How I got legal in California
Registration portal tips, food handler cert, and the county step nobody publishes.
California label wording that passed review
Share real labels (blur personal info) and any county extras beyond the state minimum.
Crosodo tees for California bakers
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While you're deep in California rules — vintage-varsity tees for booth days and bake nights.
Can I list my bakes in the Crosodo classifieds?
Resources for cottage food and home bakers
Supplies, courses, insurance, farmers markets, kitchen rentals, and local services. To advertise here, visit crosodo.com/advertise. Browse all classifieds.
Ads are paid placements. Crosodo does not endorse listed vendors. Verify all product, service, course, insurance, and legal information independently.
Is this California page legal advice?
Cottage food laws are amended every year. This is a starting reference, not legal advice. Verify with California Department of Public Health and your local health department before relying on this data.
Official filing: California Department of Public Health →
How does the Crosodo ladder work here? State vs county rules and pets
Crosodo ladder · not a license · How the ladder works
- 0Bake for friends
Give it away: gifts, potlucks, the office tray.
California
$0
Taking money? → Step 1
- 1Sell from home
Sell shelf-stable bakes straight to the person who eats them.
California
Want store shelves? → Step 2
- 2Sell to stores
Sell to shops, cafés and resellers from an inspected kitchen.
California
- Selling to stores: check with California Department of Public Health
Want a storefront? → Step 3
- 3Commercial bakery
Bake in a commercial kitchen. Sell from your own shop.
California
- Commercial kitchen permit: check with California Department of Public Health
Renew permits every year
- Pets: do I need a door?
California · Step 1
Not verified yet
Check with California Department of Public Health.
California · Step 2 (home)
Not verified yet
Check with California Department of Public Health.
Pick your county for local rules → Crosodo is a research guide, not a government agency. Not legal advice.