California Cottage Food Law
A complete guide to cottage food regulations in California (CA) — revenue limits, allowed products, labeling, and permitting requirements.
Requirements & Restrictions
Permitting & Registration
- Food Handler Certification
- Required
- Business License
- Not required
- State Registration
- Required — Local Environmental Health Department (county/city level); CDPH does not issue permits or registrations
Where You Can Sell
- direct sales in person at CFO
- certified farmers' markets
- holiday bazaars and temporary events
- bake sales
- food swaps
- farm stands
- community-supported agriculture (CSA) subscriptions
- phone, internet, or other digital method (Class A and B)
- mail delivery
- third-party delivery services
- retail shops (Class B indirect, e.g., restaurants, food markets, retail food facilities)
Allowed Products
- Baked Goods Without Cream, Custard, or Meat Fillings
- candy and confections
- chocolate-covered nonperishable foods
- fruit butter
- fruit jams and preserves
- fruit jelly
- dried fruit
- dried pasta
- dry baking mixes
- granola, cereals, and trail mixes
- herb blends and dried mole paste
- honey and sweet sorghum syrup
- nut mixtures and nut butters
- popcorn
- roasted coffee
- dried tea
- vinegar and mustard
- waffle cones and pizelles
Prohibited Products
- salsa
- pickles
- hot sauce
- canned low-acid or acidified foods
- sweet potato pie
- pumpkin pie
- custard pies
- pepper jelly
- lemon curd
- foods requiring refrigeration
- potentially hazardous foods (foods requiring time or temperature control for safety)
Labeling Requirements
The following information must appear on every cottage food product label sold in California:
Additional Notes
Two CFO classes with separate revenue caps: Class A (direct sales only) = $75,000 gross annual sales; Class B (direct + indirect sales) = $150,000 gross annual sales. The $150,000 figure in annualRevenueLimitCents reflects the Class B (higher) cap. A CDPH PDF titled 'Cottage Food Operation Adjusted Gross Annual Sales Limit 2026' was referenced on the official page, indicating these limits may be CPI-adjusted for 2026, but the PDF could not be retrieved; the $75,000/$150,000 figures are as stated on the CDPH main CFO page. Class A requires registration with the local LEA (self-certification checklist); Class B requires a permit and initial inspection. Food handler training: ANSI-accredited food handler course must be completed within 3 months of registration/permitting and renewed every 3 years; applies to operator, employees, and household members involved in preparation. The approved products list is maintained by CDPH and available as a PDF on cdph.ca.gov — the allowed products listed here are commonly cited categories from CDPH sources but the full official PDF could not be retrieved for this session; verify at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/CDPH%20Document%20Library/FDB/FoodSafetyProgram/CottageFood/ApprovedCottageFoodsList.pdf. Labeling requirements must comply with both California state and federal (FDA) requirements per CDPH; specific label fields (name, address, ingredients, net weight, allergens, disclaimer) are required per California Health and Safety Code §114365 et seq. — verbatim disclaimer text not available from pages retrieved. CFO may have one full-time equivalent employee (not counting family/household members). Planning/zoning approval may also be required from local city or county. Fruit jams/jellies limited to fruits listed in 21 CFR Part 150.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the annual revenue limit for cottage food businesses in California?
- California cottage food producers may earn up to $150,000 per year from cottage food sales.
- Do I need a food handler certification to sell cottage food in California?
- Yes. California requires cottage food producers to hold a valid food handler certification.
- Is a business license required for cottage food sales in California?
- No. California does not require a business license to operate a cottage food business.
- Does California require cottage food producers to register with the state?
- Yes. California requires cottage food businesses to register with Local Environmental Health Department (county/city level); CDPH does not issue permits or registrations.
- Where can I legally sell cottage food products in California?
- In California, cottage food products may be sold at: direct sales in person at CFO, certified farmers' markets, holiday bazaars and temporary events, bake sales, food swaps, farm stands, community-supported agriculture (CSA) subscriptions, phone, internet, or other digital method (Class A and B), mail delivery, third-party delivery services, retail shops (Class B indirect, e.g., restaurants, food markets, retail food facilities).
- What allergen labeling standard applies to cottage food in California?
- California follows the FDA Big Nine allergen standard for cottage food labeling.
- What products are allowed under California cottage food law?
- The following product categories are permitted for cottage food production in California: Baked Goods Without Cream, Custard, or Meat Fillings, candy and confections, chocolate-covered nonperishable foods, fruit butter, fruit jams and preserves, fruit jelly, dried fruit, dried pasta, dry baking mixes, granola, cereals, and trail mixes, herb blends and dried mole paste, honey and sweet sorghum syrup, nut mixtures and nut butters, popcorn, roasted coffee, dried tea, vinegar and mustard, waffle cones and pizelles.
- What products are prohibited under California cottage food law?
- The following products may not be sold under California's cottage food exemption: salsa, pickles, hot sauce, canned low-acid or acidified foods, sweet potato pie, pumpkin pie, custard pies, pepper jelly, lemon curd, foods requiring refrigeration, potentially hazardous foods (foods requiring time or temperature control for safety).