California Cottage Food Laws
Last reviewed: January 15, 2025
California’s cottage food operation (CFO) law allows eligible producers to make and sell certain low-risk foods from home. Registration with the local environmental health department and compliance with labeling and sales limits are required.
Rules can change. Verify with official state guidance.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current state guidance. Cottage food laws vary by state and can change. Always verify requirements with your state or local regulatory authority before selling.
What you can sell under state rules
What typically appears on your labels
Annual caps and reporting
Requirements to operate
Pickup, delivery, shipping
Verify with your state
At a glance
Below is a general checklist; your state’s rules apply. Verify with official resources before selling.
- Allowed foods: non–potentially hazardous, shelf-stable products (state list applies)
- Registration or permit typically required before selling
- Labeling typically includes producer info, ingredients, and a home kitchen statement
- Sales limits may apply; track gross sales if your state has a cap
- Direct sales to the consumer are the norm; shipping rules vary by state
Allowed foods
Approved cottage foods include many baked goods (breads, cookies, cakes, pastries), jams and jellies, dried fruit, granola, nut mixes, and similar non-potentially-hazardous items. The state publishes a list of approved foods; only those listed may be sold under the CFO law.
Full allowed foods guideRestricted or prohibited foods
Potentially hazardous foods, including cream pies, custards, cheesecakes that require refrigeration, and canned low-acid foods, are not allowed. Meat, poultry, and dairy-based products that require refrigeration are excluded from the cottage food list.
Registration and training
Operators must register with their local environmental health department and complete an approved food processor course. A valid registration certificate must be kept on file and renewed as required.
Sales limits
California caps gross sales of cottage food at $75,000 per year (adjusted periodically). Above that, the operator must transition to a permitted facility or different classification. Keep records to stay within the limit.
Full sales limits guideLabeling
Labels must include the product name, ingredients, allergen information, the name and address of the cottage food operation, and the statement that the product was produced in a home kitchen. Net quantity must be declared. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements.
Full labeling requirementsShipping, delivery, and direct sales
Sales are typically direct to the consumer; pickup and local delivery are common. Shipping of cottage foods may be restricted. Confirm with your local health department and current state rules before offering shipping.
Official resources
Verify current requirements with your state or local authority.
Related compliance resources
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This information is provided for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current state guidance. Cottage food laws vary by state and can change. Always verify requirements with your state or local regulatory authority before selling.