Cottage Food Operations
California Homemade Food Act (AB1616) - Cottage Food Operations is a law that became effective January 1, 2013. A Cottage Food Operation is an enterprise at a private home within the State of California where low risk food products are prepared or packaged for sale to consumers.
Two classes of Cottage Food Operations
- Class A is for selling food directly from your home or to individuals such as customers at a community event. Class A requires the operator to register with the local health department and renew annually. There is no inspection with a Class A registration.
- Class B allows you to sell to retailers who will then resell the food. For example, you sell food to a market or coffee shop who resells it to their customers. Class B requires the operator to obtain a permit from the local health department. There is a yearly inspection in order to obtain a Class B permit. You may also operate as a Class A Cottage Food Operation when you have a Class B permit.
Please note that if you conduct point of service sales outside your home at a community event (farmer’s market or a festival/fair), you will need an additional permit that is not covered under the Cottage Food Law. For that, please go to our Hosting an Event/Temporary Food Facilities page.
Approved Cottage Foods(PDF, 365KB)
Cottage Food Operations Application Packet(PDF, 562KB)
Cottage Food Operations Renewal Form(PDF, 258KB)
CDPH Cottage Food Website
Cottage Food Operations Self Certification Form(PDF, 137KB)
Resources