California Cottage Food Laws
Everything home food sellers in California need to know to legally sell food from home — permit requirements, sales limits, allowed foods, labeling, and sales channels.
California is one of the biggest cottage food markets in the country, and the Homemade Food Act gives sellers two tracks: Class A for direct-to-consumer sales up to $75,000/year, and Class B for indirect sales (through retailers or restaurants) up to $150,000/year.
If you're a home baker, tamale seller, or jam maker in California, you can be legally selling within about two weeks — most of the cost is the food processor course and a county application fee.
Registration & permit steps
- Complete a California Food Processor Course (about $25, online, ~4 hours).
- Choose Class A (direct sales) or Class B (indirect sales through stores).
- Submit a Cottage Food Operation application to your county's Environmental Health department.
- Class B only: pass an annual home kitchen inspection.
- Pay your county registration fee (varies by county, typically $75–$300).
- Label every product with the required CDPH disclosures before you sell.
Allowed foods
- Baked goods that don't require refrigeration (cookies, breads, muffins, biscotti)
- Candies, chocolates, and confections
- Jams, jellies, and preserves (high-acid fruits)
- Dry goods (granola, trail mix, dry herb blends, popcorn)
- Roasted coffee beans and dry tea blends
- Dried pasta and dehydrated foods
Prohibited foods
- Foods that require refrigeration (cream-filled pastries, cheesecake, custard pies)
- Meat, poultry, and seafood products
- Low-acid canned goods (canned vegetables, salsa in some states)
- Dairy products such as fresh milk, butter, or soft cheeses
Labeling requirements
- Name and address of the cottage food operation
- Common name of the product
- Complete ingredient list in descending order by weight
- Allergen disclosure (milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, sesame)
- Net weight or volume
- A disclaimer such as "Made in a home kitchen that is not subject to state inspection"
- The disclaimer must read exactly: "Made in a Home Kitchen" in at least 12-point type.
- Class A and Class B operators must include their CFO permit number on every label.
Allowed sales channels
- Direct in-person sales to consumers
- Farmers markets and community events
- Online ordering with local pickup or hand delivery
- Roadside stands and home-based pickup
Important restrictions
- No wholesale sales to restaurants or grocery stores
- Sales typically limited to in-state customers only
- Mail order or interstate shipping is usually not allowed
- Cannot operate as a retail food establishment from your home
Official state resource
Always verify the current law with the official California agency before launching. Laws change.
This page is editorial content for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Confirm requirements with California's Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, or a licensed attorney.