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Cottage food laws · CA

Selling homemade food in California

California's Homemade Food Act lets you sell non-perishable 'cottage foods' from your home kitchen after registering (Class A) or getting a permit (Class B) through your county. Class A sells direct to consumers; Class B can also sell wholesale to shops and restaurants.

Program
California Homemade Food Act (Cottage Food Operation)
Registration
Class A self-certification or Class B permit via county environmental health
Annual sales cap
$150,000 (gross)
Online sales
Allowed (see notes)

You can sell

  • Baked goods without cream/custard fillings
  • Jams, jellies, preserves
  • Dried fruit
  • Granola & dry mixes
  • Candy & chocolate
  • Roasted coffee & dried tea

You can't sell

  • Anything requiring refrigeration (potentially hazardous foods)
  • Meat & canned low-acid foods
  • Dairy-based products

Where you can sell

  • Direct in-person
  • Farmers markets
  • Class B allows sales to retail/restaurants

Selling online

Permitted with in-state delivery/pickup; no shipping across state lines

What your labels must include

  • Business name & registration/permit number
  • Full ingredient list by weight
  • Allergen declaration
  • Net weight
  • "Made in a Home Kitchen" statement