Cottage Food Law /US
A structured reference to state cottage food rules

United States · CA

California

Cottage Food Operation (CFO)

Informational only — not legal advice. Verify every requirement with the official agency cited below before producing or selling food.

At a glance

Administering agency
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) — local environmental health agency administers

Source: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/CottageFoodOperations.aspx · Verified Sep 20, 2025

Permit required
Yes

Class A (direct sales only) registration or Class B permit (direct + indirect).

Source: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/CottageFoodOperations.aspx · Verified Sep 20, 2025

License cost
Varies by jurisdiction

Set by each county; commonly $75–$200 for Class A and $150–$350 for Class B.

Source: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/CottageFoodOperations.aspx · Verified Sep 20, 2025

Annual sales cap
$150,000

Cap raised to $150,000 effective 2023.

Source: Cal. Health & Safety Code § 114365 · Verified Sep 20, 2025

Training required
Yes

Food processor course required within 3 months of registration.

Source: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/CottageFoodOperations.aspx · Verified Sep 20, 2025

Home inspection
Yes

Annual home inspection required for Class B; complaint-based for Class A.

Source: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/CottageFoodOperations.aspx · Verified Sep 20, 2025

Permit details

How it works
Two tiers: Class A — registration with the local environmental health agency for direct sales only. Class B — permit with annual home inspection for direct and indirect sales (e.g., to retail).

Source: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/CottageFoodOperations.aspx · Verified Sep 20, 2025

Allowed foods

Allowed
  • Baked goods without cream, custard, or meat fillings
  • Candy (e.g., chocolate, toffee)
  • Jams, jellies, preserves, and fruit butters
  • Dried fruit, dried pasta, dry baking mixes
  • Granola, cereals, trail mixes
  • Roasted coffee, dried tea
  • Honey and sweet sorghum
  • Vinegar and mustard
  • Popcorn, nuts and nut mixes

Source: CDPH — CFO Approved Foods List · Verified Sep 20, 2025

Prohibited
  • Any potentially hazardous (TCS) food
  • Meat, poultry, fish, shellfish
  • Dairy-based products (other than as ingredient in baked goods)
  • Cream- or custard-filled baked goods
  • Garlic-in-oil, salsa, canned vegetables

Source: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/CottageFoodOperations.aspx · Verified Sep 20, 2025

Labeling requirements

On every package
  • "Made in a Home Kitchen" statement in 12-pt type
  • Name of the cottage food operation
  • CFO registration or permit number
  • Common name of the product
  • Ingredient list in descending order by weight
  • Net quantity
  • Allergen disclosure

Source: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/CottageFoodOperations.aspx · Verified Sep 20, 2025

Sales channels

Where you can sell
  • In person: Yes
  • Farmers market: Yes
  • Online (in-state): Yes
  • Online (out-of-state shipping): No
  • Delivery (in-state): Yes
  • Retail / wholesale resale: Yes
  • Class B required for sales to retail stores or restaurants. Out-of-state sales are not authorized.

Source: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/CottageFoodOperations.aspx · Verified Sep 20, 2025

Caveats

  • Local environmental health departments administer registration/permits; fees and forms vary by county.
  • Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKO) is a separate, county-opt-in program with broader allowances.

Official sources

Page last reviewed: 2025-09-20

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