Cottage Food Laws in California (2026)

Complete guide to California's cottage food laws: Class A: $75,000/year (direct sales) | Class B: $150,000/year (includes indirect sales) annual limit, registration required, and online sales allowed.

California has a two-tier system. Class A is registration-only (self-certification). Class B requires a permit and allows selling through retail stores. The $75K/$150K limits are among the highest in the nation.

Quick Facts for California

Annual Sales Limit

Class A: $75,000/year (direct sales) | Class B: $150,000/year (includes indirect sales)

Registration/Permit

Required — Class A: Register with county environmental health department (self-certification). Class B: Requires a permit from county environmental health department.

Kitchen Inspection

No inspection required

Food Handler Certification

Yes — food safety course required

Online Sales

Yes — online ordering allowed

Legislation: AB 1616 (2012, original law), AB 1264 (2013, expanded), AB 626 (2018, microenterprise home kitchen)

What You Can Sell in California

Allowed Products

  • Baked goods (no cream, custard, or meat fillings)
  • Candy and confections
  • Chocolate-covered fruits and nuts
  • Dried fruit, nuts, and trail mixes
  • Granola and cereals
  • Herb blends and seasonings
  • Honey and honeycomb
  • Jams, jellies, and preserves (high-acid only)
  • Nut butters
  • Popcorn
  • Vinegar and mustard
  • Dried pasta
  • Roasted coffee and tea

Not Allowed

  • Anything requiring refrigeration
  • Cream/custard-filled baked goods
  • Meat, seafood, dairy products
  • Canned low-acid foods
  • Fermented foods (kombucha, kimchi) — requires separate license
  • Cannabis/CBD-infused products

Where You Can Sell in California

Class A: Direct to consumer only — farmers markets, from home, community events
Class B: Direct + indirect — can sell through stores, restaurants, and other retailers
Online ordering is allowed for both classes (pickup or delivery)

Labeling Requirements in California

Every product you sell must include these on the label:

1Producer name and address
2"Made in a Home Kitchen" statement
3Common allergen warnings
4Ingredient list in descending order
5Net weight
6Class A or Class B registration number

How to Start a Cottage Food Business in California

1

Verify your products are allowed

California allows specific non-potentially-hazardous foods. See the allowed products list above. If your product isn't listed, check with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) + County Environmental Health.

2

Complete required food safety training

California requires a food handler certification or food safety course. These are typically available online for $10-$30.

3

Register with your state

Class A: Register with county environmental health department (self-certification). Class B: Requires a permit from county environmental health department.

4

Set up proper labeling

California requires specific label elements on every product. See the labeling requirements section above for the exact list.

5

Start selling

Begin selling at approved venues in California. Track your sales to stay within the Class A: $75,000/year (direct sales) | Class B: $150,000/year (includes indirect sales) annual limit.

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Cottage food laws change frequently. This guide is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements with California's department of agriculture or health department before starting a cottage food business.