California's Cottage Food Law
California's Homemade Food Operations Act governs cottage food in the state. It allows individuals to produce and sell certain non-potentially-hazardous foods made in a private home kitchen. The law covers a defined list of shelf-stable products, meaning foods that don't require refrigeration to stay safe. If you operate from your home and stay within the approved product list, you can run a legal cottage food business under this framework.
You can sell directly to consumers through farmers markets, farm stands, community events, and your home. California also permits online orders and shipping, which gives you more flexibility than many other states. Sales must be direct-to-consumer, so you can't wholesale your products to grocery stores or restaurants. Third-party delivery platforms operate in a legal gray area, so selling through those carries some risk.
Your annual gross sales are capped at $50,000. You'll need to register with your county health department before you start selling, and some counties require an annual permit fee. California requires a specific disclaimer on all labels. The state's permission to ship products is a meaningful advantage for home bakers looking to reach customers beyond their local area.
Annual Limit
$50,000/year
Permit Required
Yes
Online Orders
Allowed
Shipping
Allowed
Permitted Foods
- ✓Baked goods (breads, cookies, cakes, pastries, muffins)
- ✓Candy and confections
- ✓Jams, jellies, and preserves
- ✓Fruit butters
- ✓Roasted nuts
- ✓Dried pasta
- ✓Dried herbs and herb mixes
- ✓Trail mixes and granola
- ✓Popcorn and popcorn products
- ✓Honey and beeswax products
- ✓Fruit pies (non-custard)
- ✓Vinegars and mustards
- ✓Chocolate-covered nonperishable foods
Prohibited Foods
- ✗Meat and poultry products
- ✗Seafood products
- ✗Foods requiring refrigeration after preparation
- ✗Custard or cream-filled pastries
- ✗Cheesecakes
- ✗Alcohol-containing products
- ✗Canned low-acid vegetables
- ✗Dairy products (milk, cheese, butter)
- ✗Raw sprouts
- ✗Foods containing fresh fruits or vegetables requiring refrigeration
Labeling Requirements
- ✓Name of the cottage food operation
- ✓Home address of the operation
- ✓Product name
- ✓Complete ingredient list in descending order by weight
- ✓Net weight or net volume
- ✓Allergen declaration per FDA requirements
- ✓Required state disclaimer statement
Required Label Disclaimer
“Made in a home kitchen that has not been inspected by a local environmental health jurisdiction. The food is not prepared in a food facility approved by the regulatory authority.”
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California allows online orders
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