The cottage food law California allows individuals to produce and sell certain low-risk foods from their home kitchens—without needing a commercial facility. This guide explains the law, who needs a permit, which foods are allowed, labeling rules, and how to complete the required food safety training.
If you want to legally start a cottage food business in California, this is your complete step-by-step guide.
What is the Cottage Food Law in California?
California’s Cottage Food Law—found in the California Health & Safety Code—allows home-based businesses called Cottage Food Operations (CFOs) to prepare and sell approved, shelf-stable foods.
The purpose of the law is to help small food entrepreneurs earn income while ensuring consumer safety through training, labeling, and sanitation standards.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) maintains the official Approved Cottage Foods List, which must be followed by every operator in the state.
Class A vs. Class B Cottage Food Operations
California has two types of cottage food permits:
Class A Cottage Food Operations
- Direct sales only
- Sell from home, online, farmers’ markets, events, or local delivery
- No kitchen inspection required
Class B Cottage Food Operations
- Direct + indirect sales
- Sell to retail stores, coffee shops, and restaurants
- Requires a kitchen inspection by the local health department
Both Class A & B require food safety training and proper labeling.
Food Safety Training Requirements
Under California state law, every cottage food operator must complete an approved food processor training course within:
- 3 months of receiving their permit or registration
- Renewal every 3 years
Training must be ANAB-accredited, such as the online course offered by AAA Food Handler.
Training Covers:
- Personal hygiene
- Preventing cross-contamination
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Allergen labeling
- Preventing foodborne illness
Even though cottage foods are shelf-stable, training ensures your home kitchen meets professional safety standards.
What Foods Are Allowed Under California Cottage Food Law?
Only low-risk foods that do not require refrigeration are permitted.
Examples of approved foods:
- Baked goods without cream or custard
- Cookies, brownies, quick breads
- Candies and chocolates
- Dried herbs, teas, spices
- Fruit jams, jellies, and butters (specific types)
- Honey and syrups
- Nut mixes and nut butters
- Frostings without dairy
- Granola, snack mixes
- Powdered drink mixes
Foods NOT allowed:
- Meat or poultry
- Dairy or cream-based fillings
- Cream cheese frosting
- Salsas, sauces, and canned vegetables
- Anything requiring refrigeration
Always verify new products on the CDPH Approved Cottage Foods List.
Labeling Requirements for Cottage Food in California
Every product must have a compliant label, including:
- Product name
- Cottage Food Operation name, city, and ZIP
- Permit or registration number + county name
- Ingredient list by weight
- Major allergen declarations
- Statement “Made in a Home Kitchen” (12-point type)
- Net weight or volume (U.S. + metric)
Nutrition facts are only required if making a nutrient-content claim.
Online product listings must also include your permit number and “Made in a Home Kitchen.”
How to Start a Cottage Food Business in California (Step-by-Step)
- Check if your product is on the CDPH-approved list
- Choose Class A or Class B
- Take food safety training (ANAB-accredited)
- Register or apply for your permit with your county health department
- Prepare your home kitchen following sanitation rules
- Create compliant labels for every product
- Begin selling your approved cottage foods
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing the 3-month deadline for required training
- Selling foods not on the approved list
- Incorrect or incomplete labeling
- Poor hygiene or sanitation practices
- Not displaying your permit number online
AAA Food Handler offers an ANAB-accredited, 100% online California food safety training program that satisfies all state requirements for cottage food operators. The course takes less than 90 minutes and is accepted statewide.
Do I Need a Permit to Sell Cottage Food in California?
Yes. All cottage food businesses must register with their local county health department as a Class A or Class B Cottage Food Operation.
What is the Difference Between Class A and Class B Permits?
- Class A: Direct sales only (home, online, farmers’ markets). No kitchen inspection.
- Class B: Direct + indirect sales (stores, cafés, restaurants). Kitchen inspection required.
What Foods Can I Sell under California’s Cottage Food Law?
You may only sell non-perishable, low-risk foods such as baked goods, jams, teas, granola, nuts, candies, and shelf-stable snacks.
All items must appear on the CDPH Approved Cottage Foods List.
Can I Sell Refrigerated or Homemade Canned Foods?
No. Foods requiring refrigeration or pressure canning—like salsas, pickles, dairy items, or cream-filled pastries—are not allowed under cottage food law.
Do I Need Food Safety Training to Operate a Cottage Food Business?
Yes. California requires all cottage food operators to take ANAB-accredited food processor training within 3 months of getting their permit and every 3 years thereafter.
Can I Take Cottage Food Training Online?
Yes. Online ANAB-accredited courses—such as AAA Food Handler’s training—are fully accepted statewide.
How Much Does a Cottage Food Permit Cost?
Costs vary by county but typically range from $100–$250 for Class A and $200–$500 for Class B, depending on local health department fees.
Do I Need a Business License for my Cottage Food Operation?
Many counties and cities require a local business license in addition to your cottage food permit. Check with your city or county for exact requirements.
Can I Sell Cottage Foods at Farmers’ Markets or Events?
Yes. Class A operators may sell directly at markets and events. Class B operators may also sell through retail stores.
Can I Sell Cottage Food on Etsy, Facebook, or Online Platforms?
Yes—as long as all sales are delivered within California.
Interstate shipping is not allowed.
What Labeling Information is Required?
All labels must include:
- Product name
- CFO name, city, ZIP
- Permit/registration number + county
- Ingredient list
- Allergens
- Net weight
- Statement “Made in a Home Kitchen”
How Much Money Can I Make under Cottage Food Law?
California sets an annual gross sales limit for cottage food operators. (2025 limits vary by CDPH updates—typically $75,000+.) Check your local county for the current year’s limit.
Can Employees Help in my Home Kitchen?
Cottage food laws allow one additional employee, but rules vary by county. Family members may assist without being counted as employees.
Do I Need to Report Cottage Food Income for Taxes?
Yes. Cottage food income is taxable. You may need:
- A business license
- A seller’s permit
- To report income on your state and federal taxes
Is AAA Food Handler Training Accepted for Cottage Food Operators?
Yes. AAA Food Handler offers a 100% online, ANAB-accredited course that satisfies all California cottage food training requirements.
